(S)cripture-
Judges 10:14 Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble.
(O)bservation-
We serve a very loving God but He is also very jealous. We are commanded to have no other gods before Him - if people worship other gods, that is the greatest sin that can be committed against our Living God. In this verse, even though God has protected and provided for His chosen people time and time again and led them to the Promised Land, they still forsook Him and worshipped other gods. God had enough and made this statement to His people. Other gods consist of inanimate objects and evil spirits - doomed is the person who worships any of these or expects protection from them in times of trouble.
(A)pplication-
My great refuge and hope is in the true Living God - the God of Abraham who sent His Son Jesus Christ to redeem and restore us. I will never put anything ahead of God. He has always protected me in times of trouble and great distress and provides for my needs in all situations. Because of His amazing grace and mercy I am truly free, and my life is fully committed to serving Him and doing His Kingdom work here on this earth.
(P)rayer-
Father, from the bottom of my heart and depth of my soul I declare that there are no other gods before You. Thank You for always being there and hearing my prayers - for providing for me and protecting me in times of trouble. I commit everything to You because You alone are worthy of all praise and worship. I love and trust in You and thank You for being my God, my loving and merciful Father in Heaven. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
SOAP - Judges 8; Psalm 42; 1 Corinthians 15
(S)cripture-
1 Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
(O)bservation-
We need to stand unswervingly to the Truth that we know in our hearts - Jesus is the Son of God, He was crucified, dead, buried, and resurrected by God on the third day and currently sits at His right hand, the place of honor. Christ is coming again to judge the world and everything in it and to gather up all believers into Heaven. Because of this we know that our work for the Lord on this earth is not futile and we need to be fully committed to working for the cause of the Lord. If we do this then we will receive our reward when Christ returns.
(A)pplication-
I hold fast to my belief in Christ and that He is coming again to take me home. I want to store up my treasure in Heaven and not in this world. However, while I am on this earth I will be committed to doing the Lord's work, whatever that is, as I am led by His Holy Spirit.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior - for His atoning blood which redeems us to You for all eternity. Help me to have the understanding of the work You want me to do as I am led by the Holy Spirit and to have the strength and courage to carry out Your plan. I love and praise You and my great hope and treasure is in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
1 Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
(O)bservation-
We need to stand unswervingly to the Truth that we know in our hearts - Jesus is the Son of God, He was crucified, dead, buried, and resurrected by God on the third day and currently sits at His right hand, the place of honor. Christ is coming again to judge the world and everything in it and to gather up all believers into Heaven. Because of this we know that our work for the Lord on this earth is not futile and we need to be fully committed to working for the cause of the Lord. If we do this then we will receive our reward when Christ returns.
(A)pplication-
I hold fast to my belief in Christ and that He is coming again to take me home. I want to store up my treasure in Heaven and not in this world. However, while I am on this earth I will be committed to doing the Lord's work, whatever that is, as I am led by His Holy Spirit.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior - for His atoning blood which redeems us to You for all eternity. Help me to have the understanding of the work You want me to do as I am led by the Holy Spirit and to have the strength and courage to carry out Your plan. I love and praise You and my great hope and treasure is in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Monday, March 29, 2010
SOAP - Judges 6, 7; Psalm 52; 1 Corinthians 14
(S)cripture-
Ps. 52:8 But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever.
(O)bservation-
If we stand on God's word then we too can be like the olive tree. The olive tree is very hardy, lives for hundreds of years, is not easily uprooted, and bears lots of fruit when it flourishes. In a similar way, when we trust and obey and abide in God we will not be uprooted when hard times come and the winds of temptation and evil blow. When we flourish in righteousness before God then we bless others with the fruit we bear and can provide shade to those facing the scorching heat of his world. God's love for His people is unfailing - as believers we can all be assured of our salvation through the Blood of the New Covenant, which is Christ, because God is supremely trustworthy.
(A)pplication-
I place my hope in our Living God and know that my future is secure through the atoning blood of Christ who obediently went to the cross and redeemed all who believe by His death and resurrection. I want to be like the olive tree - by the power of God to be able to withstand the hard times and winds of temptation and evil and to be a blessing to others with the fruit I bear and the shade I can provide.
(P)rayer-
Father God, I trust in You completely and please help me to flourish according to Your will so that I can bring You glory. May I be a blessing to others - not for any selfish reason I may have but in complete obedience to You as I am led by Your Holy Spirit. Help me to be Kingdom-focused in all I do - to understand the work that You have laid out for me to do on this earth and to be a good and faithful servant in actually doing it. Lord God, I praise and thank You for Your unfailing love. I am truly blessed and I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
Ps. 52:8 But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever.
(O)bservation-
If we stand on God's word then we too can be like the olive tree. The olive tree is very hardy, lives for hundreds of years, is not easily uprooted, and bears lots of fruit when it flourishes. In a similar way, when we trust and obey and abide in God we will not be uprooted when hard times come and the winds of temptation and evil blow. When we flourish in righteousness before God then we bless others with the fruit we bear and can provide shade to those facing the scorching heat of his world. God's love for His people is unfailing - as believers we can all be assured of our salvation through the Blood of the New Covenant, which is Christ, because God is supremely trustworthy.
(A)pplication-
I place my hope in our Living God and know that my future is secure through the atoning blood of Christ who obediently went to the cross and redeemed all who believe by His death and resurrection. I want to be like the olive tree - by the power of God to be able to withstand the hard times and winds of temptation and evil and to be a blessing to others with the fruit I bear and the shade I can provide.
(P)rayer-
Father God, I trust in You completely and please help me to flourish according to Your will so that I can bring You glory. May I be a blessing to others - not for any selfish reason I may have but in complete obedience to You as I am led by Your Holy Spirit. Help me to be Kingdom-focused in all I do - to understand the work that You have laid out for me to do on this earth and to be a good and faithful servant in actually doing it. Lord God, I praise and thank You for Your unfailing love. I am truly blessed and I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
SOAP - Judges 4, 5; Psalm 39, 41; 1 Corinthians 13
(S)cripture-
1 Cor. 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
(O)bservation-
Paul writes of three eternal principles here in Corinthians. He elaborates further on these in his first letter to the Thessalonians and talks about their work produced by faith, labor prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. The greatest of these three, however, is love. This is so because God is love and we were created in His image. He poured out His love for us by sending Jesus to die for us... and Jesus' greatest commandments for us are first, to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and also to love others as ourselves. All other talents and gifts we possess do not surpass love - love supersedes and outlasts everything and is the governing principle that all believers are to live by. Love should characterize who we are as God's redeemed children and everything we do.
(A)pplication-
Indeed I want love to govern everything I do and who I am. Since God is love and I am created in His image there is no greater thing I think I can do to honor Him. I want to obey Christ's two greatest commandments for our lives to love God and to love people and I am so thrilled to be part of a church in which we openly profess this as our mission statement. I don't want love to be a word that sits on the shelf but as an active part of everything I do.
(P)rayer-
Father God, thank You for Your incredible love for Your children. You created us in Your image and sent Jesus to redeem us because of Your great love and mercy. Help me to be a reflection of Your great love in everything I say and do. I love You with every fiber of my being and help me to honor You also by loving others as myself. You are so awesome and I will sing Your praise forever. I pray these things in Jesus' blessed name, Amen.
1 Cor. 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
(O)bservation-
Paul writes of three eternal principles here in Corinthians. He elaborates further on these in his first letter to the Thessalonians and talks about their work produced by faith, labor prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. The greatest of these three, however, is love. This is so because God is love and we were created in His image. He poured out His love for us by sending Jesus to die for us... and Jesus' greatest commandments for us are first, to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and also to love others as ourselves. All other talents and gifts we possess do not surpass love - love supersedes and outlasts everything and is the governing principle that all believers are to live by. Love should characterize who we are as God's redeemed children and everything we do.
(A)pplication-
Indeed I want love to govern everything I do and who I am. Since God is love and I am created in His image there is no greater thing I think I can do to honor Him. I want to obey Christ's two greatest commandments for our lives to love God and to love people and I am so thrilled to be part of a church in which we openly profess this as our mission statement. I don't want love to be a word that sits on the shelf but as an active part of everything I do.
(P)rayer-
Father God, thank You for Your incredible love for Your children. You created us in Your image and sent Jesus to redeem us because of Your great love and mercy. Help me to be a reflection of Your great love in everything I say and do. I love You with every fiber of my being and help me to honor You also by loving others as myself. You are so awesome and I will sing Your praise forever. I pray these things in Jesus' blessed name, Amen.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
SOAP - Judges 1 - 3; 1 Corinthians 12
(S)cripture-
1 Cor. 12:18 But in fact God has arranged the parts of the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be.
(O)bservation-
Just as it is with our human bodies, there are many parts with many different functions in the church - the body of Christ. We are all unique and have received different Spiritual gifts for use in the church and this is all according to God's plan. The beautiful thing about this is that through diversity we can accomplish God's unified purpose for the church.
(A)pplication-
As I ponder the Scripture, I have a greater appreciation for the church at-large. If we all had the same gifts then we would not have the skills to accomplish God's plan. In His divine and infinite wisdom He created us with a variety of gifts so that as a whole we we can have unity in the mission of the church. All people in the church are vitally important and we need to identify and utilize the gifts that God gave us in accordance with His purpose for the church.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for how You have created each one of us to be different and with unique gifts. As a church, help us to always embrace our diversity and understand that this helps us to be unified in our mission to serve You. I praise You for what You've blessed me with and help me to fully discover and use the gifts I've been given so that I can bring You glory. Lord, I give You all my praise and I love You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
1 Cor. 12:18 But in fact God has arranged the parts of the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be.
(O)bservation-
Just as it is with our human bodies, there are many parts with many different functions in the church - the body of Christ. We are all unique and have received different Spiritual gifts for use in the church and this is all according to God's plan. The beautiful thing about this is that through diversity we can accomplish God's unified purpose for the church.
(A)pplication-
As I ponder the Scripture, I have a greater appreciation for the church at-large. If we all had the same gifts then we would not have the skills to accomplish God's plan. In His divine and infinite wisdom He created us with a variety of gifts so that as a whole we we can have unity in the mission of the church. All people in the church are vitally important and we need to identify and utilize the gifts that God gave us in accordance with His purpose for the church.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for how You have created each one of us to be different and with unique gifts. As a church, help us to always embrace our diversity and understand that this helps us to be unified in our mission to serve You. I praise You for what You've blessed me with and help me to fully discover and use the gifts I've been given so that I can bring You glory. Lord, I give You all my praise and I love You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Friday, March 26, 2010
SOAP - Joshua 23, 24; Psalm 44; 1 Corinthians 11
(S)cripture-
Joshua 24:15b But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
(O)bservation-
In Joshua's final address to the Israelites, he makes this testimony. He says to each of them that they need to make a decision on who they would follow - one of the other gods of the time or the true Living God. Joshua knew he was close to his death so he renewed the Israelites' covenant with God, but first he required them to renew their commitment.
(A)pplication-
This is the commitment of my life. I have no problem sharing it with others and want everyone to know that we serve the Lord. God has poured out His love and grace for us and we give everything, including ourselves, in service to Him.
(P)rayer-
Father God, thank You for Your grace and unfailing love for Your children. I love You with all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength and commit myself and my household to serving You. You provide all that we need and our salvation and place in Heaven is secure through Jesus Christ Your Son and we will accept Your calling and fulfill our purpose in life as we are led with power through Your Holy Spirit. You are so awesome and we will serve no other. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Joshua 24:15b But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
(O)bservation-
In Joshua's final address to the Israelites, he makes this testimony. He says to each of them that they need to make a decision on who they would follow - one of the other gods of the time or the true Living God. Joshua knew he was close to his death so he renewed the Israelites' covenant with God, but first he required them to renew their commitment.
(A)pplication-
This is the commitment of my life. I have no problem sharing it with others and want everyone to know that we serve the Lord. God has poured out His love and grace for us and we give everything, including ourselves, in service to Him.
(P)rayer-
Father God, thank You for Your grace and unfailing love for Your children. I love You with all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength and commit myself and my household to serving You. You provide all that we need and our salvation and place in Heaven is secure through Jesus Christ Your Son and we will accept Your calling and fulfill our purpose in life as we are led with power through Your Holy Spirit. You are so awesome and we will serve no other. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
SOAP - Joshua 21, 22; Psalm 47; 1 Corinthians 10
(S)cripture-
1 Cor. 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
(O)bservation-
We are created by God and we are all shaped for service by Him - everything we do should be directed to the purpose of glorifying God. In addition to what Paul writes here to the Corinthians, Peter says when we speak we should do so as one speaking the very words of God and when we serve to do so with the strength God provides. We are all blessed with so many gifts and talents - God provides for our needs and allows us to prosper. We should be living sacrifices to God who gave us eternal life through Christ and to direct our energy and efforts to bringing Him glory.
(A)pplication-
My life is committed to serving God and bringing Him glory. I am not perfect and certainly stumble in my walk with the Lord, and for this reason I am so thankful to be covered by His grace. I want to keep my eyes fixed on the prize and to run the race in this life in humble obedience and powerful service to God so that I can glorify His holy name.
(P)rayer-
Father, I commit my life and everything I do to You. May You be glorified by my words, thoughts, and actions. Help me to be obedient to what You call me to do and to do Your will with power through Your Holy Spirit. Lord God, my hope is in You and I give You all of my praise - I love You and desire to bring You glory in all I do. Thank You for blessing me so richly. In Jesus name, Amen.
1 Cor. 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
(O)bservation-
We are created by God and we are all shaped for service by Him - everything we do should be directed to the purpose of glorifying God. In addition to what Paul writes here to the Corinthians, Peter says when we speak we should do so as one speaking the very words of God and when we serve to do so with the strength God provides. We are all blessed with so many gifts and talents - God provides for our needs and allows us to prosper. We should be living sacrifices to God who gave us eternal life through Christ and to direct our energy and efforts to bringing Him glory.
(A)pplication-
My life is committed to serving God and bringing Him glory. I am not perfect and certainly stumble in my walk with the Lord, and for this reason I am so thankful to be covered by His grace. I want to keep my eyes fixed on the prize and to run the race in this life in humble obedience and powerful service to God so that I can glorify His holy name.
(P)rayer-
Father, I commit my life and everything I do to You. May You be glorified by my words, thoughts, and actions. Help me to be obedient to what You call me to do and to do Your will with power through Your Holy Spirit. Lord God, my hope is in You and I give You all of my praise - I love You and desire to bring You glory in all I do. Thank You for blessing me so richly. In Jesus name, Amen.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
SOAP - Joshua 18 - 20; 1 Corinthians 9
(S)cripture-
1 Cor. 9:23 I do all things for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
(O)bservation-
In this verse Paul is alluding to some of the things that he does for the Kingdom, including how he has become all things to all men. He became like those he was ministering to in order to reach them and worked by all possible means so that some of them might accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and be saved. In doing this he, of course, always remained under Christ's law and his hope was that he would share in the blessing of preaching the Gospel - which includes the realization that he has been faithful to Christ in his preaching, seeing others come to Christ and get saved, and having the Lord say 'well done good and faithful servant.'
(A)pplication-
My desire is to live my life to glorify God - as a living sacrifice to He who created me and also brought me new and eternal life through Christ. To live for the sake of the Gospel and be Kingdom-driven in all I do. To fulfill the great commission that Jesus gave to all of us - to make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In being a humble, obedient servant to Christ as well as a mighty warrior for God's Kingdom through the power of the Holy Spirit, my hope is to also be able to share in the blessing that Paul wrote about.
(P)rayer-
Father God, I commit everything to You and please help me to live fully for the Gospel and Your Kingdom every single day. You are my Great Hope and my Great Reward - help me to be a witness to others through my words and actions so that they would have a chance to hear the Gospel of Christ, accept it, and be saved. Please use me and shape me for service to do Your will and lead me with power through Your Holy Spirit to do Your Kingdom's work. Lord God, I love You and praise You and pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
1 Cor. 9:23 I do all things for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
(O)bservation-
In this verse Paul is alluding to some of the things that he does for the Kingdom, including how he has become all things to all men. He became like those he was ministering to in order to reach them and worked by all possible means so that some of them might accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and be saved. In doing this he, of course, always remained under Christ's law and his hope was that he would share in the blessing of preaching the Gospel - which includes the realization that he has been faithful to Christ in his preaching, seeing others come to Christ and get saved, and having the Lord say 'well done good and faithful servant.'
(A)pplication-
My desire is to live my life to glorify God - as a living sacrifice to He who created me and also brought me new and eternal life through Christ. To live for the sake of the Gospel and be Kingdom-driven in all I do. To fulfill the great commission that Jesus gave to all of us - to make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In being a humble, obedient servant to Christ as well as a mighty warrior for God's Kingdom through the power of the Holy Spirit, my hope is to also be able to share in the blessing that Paul wrote about.
(P)rayer-
Father God, I commit everything to You and please help me to live fully for the Gospel and Your Kingdom every single day. You are my Great Hope and my Great Reward - help me to be a witness to others through my words and actions so that they would have a chance to hear the Gospel of Christ, accept it, and be saved. Please use me and shape me for service to do Your will and lead me with power through Your Holy Spirit to do Your Kingdom's work. Lord God, I love You and praise You and pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
SOAP - Joshua 15 - 17; 1 Corinthians 8
(S)cripture-
1 Cor. 8:9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block for the weak.
(O)bservation-
We are all at different 'stages' in our walk with God. When we accepted Christ as Lord and Savior we were saved from the pit of Hell and redeemed to God to live for eternity in Heaven. However, some have become believers recently and some long ago, some have studied and searched the Word very diligently and others not so much. Because of this some have faith and conviction that is stronger than that of others - even though we are all believers and covered by God's grace. For this reason, those who are stronger and perhaps more free in their faith must be mindful of their brothers and sisters who are weaker and be careful that their own actions would not cause others to fall into sin and defile their own faith. If the stronger believer causes the weaker believer to sin, then he too sins against Christ.
(A)pplication-
I will be always mindful of all my actions in any environment I am in. I want to be a great witness for Christ whether I am around believers or non-believers and to do my best to reflect His glory.
(P)rayer-
Lord God in Heaven, I praise You for the way in which You have been working in my life, for how You have been leading me through Your Holy Spirit, and for the freedom I have through Christ. I pray that I would be a reflection of You in all that I do - to be a great witness to the world and to not cause anyone else to stumble in their own walks with You. I am truly blessed and I love and praise You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
1 Cor. 8:9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block for the weak.
(O)bservation-
We are all at different 'stages' in our walk with God. When we accepted Christ as Lord and Savior we were saved from the pit of Hell and redeemed to God to live for eternity in Heaven. However, some have become believers recently and some long ago, some have studied and searched the Word very diligently and others not so much. Because of this some have faith and conviction that is stronger than that of others - even though we are all believers and covered by God's grace. For this reason, those who are stronger and perhaps more free in their faith must be mindful of their brothers and sisters who are weaker and be careful that their own actions would not cause others to fall into sin and defile their own faith. If the stronger believer causes the weaker believer to sin, then he too sins against Christ.
(A)pplication-
I will be always mindful of all my actions in any environment I am in. I want to be a great witness for Christ whether I am around believers or non-believers and to do my best to reflect His glory.
(P)rayer-
Lord God in Heaven, I praise You for the way in which You have been working in my life, for how You have been leading me through Your Holy Spirit, and for the freedom I have through Christ. I pray that I would be a reflection of You in all that I do - to be a great witness to the world and to not cause anyone else to stumble in their own walks with You. I am truly blessed and I love and praise You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Monday, March 22, 2010
SOAP - Joshua 12 - 14; 1 Corinthians 7
(S)cripture-
1 Cor. 7:21 Were you a slave when you were called? Don't let it trouble you - although if you can gain your freedom, do so.
(O)bservation-
God needs believers in all walks and stations in life. Paul urged Christian slaves to live contentedly in their situations and to take comfort in knowing that they had become truly free in Christ. However, he did also say that they should gain their freedom if they could. In a similar way today, God says we should be content in the positions we are in. The thing that matters most is that we have eternal life through Christ Jesus. God put each of us in our present positions for a reason and we should live contentedly there. But, there is also nothing wrong with seeking to improve our condition - God wants us to soar on wings like eagles and to live life to the full. We need to do this prayerfully and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in these instances. God wants to prosper us, do great works through us, and give us the desires of our hearts, but we need to seek Him first and be content in all situations knowing that it is only because of Christ's sacrifice that we are truly free and have eternal life.
(A)pplication-
I know God has a great plan for me and I want to be open to whatever that is. However, I do not want to go where He does not want me to go, so I will wait on the Lord and be obedient to how I am led by His Holy Spirit. I will continue to pray for His will to be done in my life and that I would be a mighty warrior for His Kingdom in whatever He calls me to do - for His glory and not for mine.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for always providing for me. Paul says we are to be content in our present situations, but You also say You know the plans You have for us - plans to prosper and not to harm us - and that You will give us the desires of our hearts. Lord, I am truly blessed to be your child and for my salvation made secure by Jesus' blood - this is the most important thing to me. But Lord, help me to understand where You are leading me in this life, that I would be obedient to Your calling, and follow where You lead me through Your Holy Spirit. I trust in You and want to be humbly obedient to Your calling and direction. I love and praise You and ask these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
1 Cor. 7:21 Were you a slave when you were called? Don't let it trouble you - although if you can gain your freedom, do so.
(O)bservation-
God needs believers in all walks and stations in life. Paul urged Christian slaves to live contentedly in their situations and to take comfort in knowing that they had become truly free in Christ. However, he did also say that they should gain their freedom if they could. In a similar way today, God says we should be content in the positions we are in. The thing that matters most is that we have eternal life through Christ Jesus. God put each of us in our present positions for a reason and we should live contentedly there. But, there is also nothing wrong with seeking to improve our condition - God wants us to soar on wings like eagles and to live life to the full. We need to do this prayerfully and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in these instances. God wants to prosper us, do great works through us, and give us the desires of our hearts, but we need to seek Him first and be content in all situations knowing that it is only because of Christ's sacrifice that we are truly free and have eternal life.
(A)pplication-
I know God has a great plan for me and I want to be open to whatever that is. However, I do not want to go where He does not want me to go, so I will wait on the Lord and be obedient to how I am led by His Holy Spirit. I will continue to pray for His will to be done in my life and that I would be a mighty warrior for His Kingdom in whatever He calls me to do - for His glory and not for mine.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for always providing for me. Paul says we are to be content in our present situations, but You also say You know the plans You have for us - plans to prosper and not to harm us - and that You will give us the desires of our hearts. Lord, I am truly blessed to be your child and for my salvation made secure by Jesus' blood - this is the most important thing to me. But Lord, help me to understand where You are leading me in this life, that I would be obedient to Your calling, and follow where You lead me through Your Holy Spirit. I trust in You and want to be humbly obedient to Your calling and direction. I love and praise You and ask these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
SOAP - Joshua 9 - 11; 1 Corinthians 6
(S)cripture-
1 Cor. 6:20 you were brought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
(O)bservation-
We were all bought at a price, and the ransom that was paid was Jesus' blood. Our great reward of salvation is through Him - Christ died so that we would have life and have it to the full. As believers, our future in Heaven is secure for all eternity after we leave this world. However, while we are in the world we are called to honor God with our bodies. Our bodies are sacred temples where God dwells. We need to care for our bodies out of reverence for Him and so we are fit and ready to accept our calling from God - to have the strength and energy to do the work that is laid out before us. We are also to honor God by not defiling our bodies, especially by engaging in anything sexually impure or immoral.
(A)pplication-
I know that my life and my place as an heir in God's Kingdom was bought at a heavy price. I want to honor God by caring for my body - by continuing with the personal fitness plan I started five weeks ago so that I am physically able to do any work God calls me into. I think by exercising and eating right that it causes me to be in a better mental state as well... and this creates positive momentum in all I do. I want my able body to be used in whatever capacity He calls me into. My body is a sacred place where God resides and I want to take care of it and use it to glorify Him who made me.
(P)rayer-
Father, I am fearfully and wonderfully made and I want to take what You've created in me and bless and honor You with it. Such a high price was paid for me and I am eternally grateful for my salvation. I give You everything, including my own body, and please help me to honor You by humbling myself before You and being obedient to do Your will as I am led by the Holy Spirit. Thank You for who You created me to be and help me to reflect Your glory in all I do. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
1 Cor. 6:20 you were brought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
(O)bservation-
We were all bought at a price, and the ransom that was paid was Jesus' blood. Our great reward of salvation is through Him - Christ died so that we would have life and have it to the full. As believers, our future in Heaven is secure for all eternity after we leave this world. However, while we are in the world we are called to honor God with our bodies. Our bodies are sacred temples where God dwells. We need to care for our bodies out of reverence for Him and so we are fit and ready to accept our calling from God - to have the strength and energy to do the work that is laid out before us. We are also to honor God by not defiling our bodies, especially by engaging in anything sexually impure or immoral.
(A)pplication-
I know that my life and my place as an heir in God's Kingdom was bought at a heavy price. I want to honor God by caring for my body - by continuing with the personal fitness plan I started five weeks ago so that I am physically able to do any work God calls me into. I think by exercising and eating right that it causes me to be in a better mental state as well... and this creates positive momentum in all I do. I want my able body to be used in whatever capacity He calls me into. My body is a sacred place where God resides and I want to take care of it and use it to glorify Him who made me.
(P)rayer-
Father, I am fearfully and wonderfully made and I want to take what You've created in me and bless and honor You with it. Such a high price was paid for me and I am eternally grateful for my salvation. I give You everything, including my own body, and please help me to honor You by humbling myself before You and being obedient to do Your will as I am led by the Holy Spirit. Thank You for who You created me to be and help me to reflect Your glory in all I do. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
SOAP - Joshua 7, 8; Psalm 69; 1 Corinthians 5
(S)cripture-
1 Cor. 5:12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
(O)bservation-
The ultimate judge of this world - both believers and non-believers - is God. As believers we are not called to pass judgment on those not in the church, but we are called to share the Gospel of Christ with all nations in the hope that they will accept it and believe. As believers, we are called to judge and exercise spiritual discipline over other professing believers in the church. If we see a brother or sister in Christ living in unrepentant sin then we must point that out to help them to realize it. This must be done so that it cannot be construed that we condone this type of behavior and hence dishonor the name of Christ and cause questions to arise concerning the true character of our own testimonies. We all sin and fall short of God's glory - as believers we need to recognize when we sin, repent and ask forgiveness, and know that we are covered by God's grace through the blood of Jesus Christ.
(A)pplication-
I will be careful to not pass judgment on anyone outside of the Faith. This does not mean that I will compromise what I believe, but I will let God take care of the ultimate judgment of the world. Within the church, I know we need to be careful to make sure that we honor Christ in all that we do. If something is going on with any believer that goes against this then it needs to be pointed out and dealt with - we cannot condone unrepentant sin and immorality in the church which would degrade and dishonor the holy name of our Living God.
(P)rayer-
Father God, I know that You are the final and ultimate judge of this world. Help me to never pass judgment on those in the world and to leave that to You. Please guide all of us as a body of believers to keep Your church pure and holy and pleasing to You. In the instances where we need to judge other believers or things happening within the church, help us to do that prayerfully and as we are led according to Your Word and Holy Spirit. Father, I thank You for my brothers and sisters in Christ - what an awesome family I have - and I pray for peace and unity in Your church among all believers. I love and praise You and I pray these things in Jesus' precious name, Amen.
1 Cor. 5:12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
(O)bservation-
The ultimate judge of this world - both believers and non-believers - is God. As believers we are not called to pass judgment on those not in the church, but we are called to share the Gospel of Christ with all nations in the hope that they will accept it and believe. As believers, we are called to judge and exercise spiritual discipline over other professing believers in the church. If we see a brother or sister in Christ living in unrepentant sin then we must point that out to help them to realize it. This must be done so that it cannot be construed that we condone this type of behavior and hence dishonor the name of Christ and cause questions to arise concerning the true character of our own testimonies. We all sin and fall short of God's glory - as believers we need to recognize when we sin, repent and ask forgiveness, and know that we are covered by God's grace through the blood of Jesus Christ.
(A)pplication-
I will be careful to not pass judgment on anyone outside of the Faith. This does not mean that I will compromise what I believe, but I will let God take care of the ultimate judgment of the world. Within the church, I know we need to be careful to make sure that we honor Christ in all that we do. If something is going on with any believer that goes against this then it needs to be pointed out and dealt with - we cannot condone unrepentant sin and immorality in the church which would degrade and dishonor the holy name of our Living God.
(P)rayer-
Father God, I know that You are the final and ultimate judge of this world. Help me to never pass judgment on those in the world and to leave that to You. Please guide all of us as a body of believers to keep Your church pure and holy and pleasing to You. In the instances where we need to judge other believers or things happening within the church, help us to do that prayerfully and as we are led according to Your Word and Holy Spirit. Father, I thank You for my brothers and sisters in Christ - what an awesome family I have - and I pray for peace and unity in Your church among all believers. I love and praise You and I pray these things in Jesus' precious name, Amen.
Friday, March 19, 2010
SOAP - Joshua 3 - 6; 1 Corinthians 4
(S)cripture-
1 Cor. 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
(O)bservation-
The Kingdom of God is present on this earth in all who believe - it is embodied in our dynamic new lives in Christ and also through our humble obedience to Christ and His church. Living a life in the Kingdom is not characterized by idle talk born of human thought, but rather by the true power that comes from the holy Spirit. God sent His Holy Spirit to this earth with all power after Christ ascended to Heaven and He resides with each one of us today. Therefore, each believer in the Kingdom of God carries with him or her the power of the Holy Spirit and it is up to each one of us to allow the Holy Spirit to lead our lives so that we can use that power to do God's work and bring Him glory.
(A)pplication-
I want so much to be closer to the Holy Spirit and allow God's power to be used through me. God is not glorified by any of our human words, but rather by our acceptance and openness of being led by the Holy Spirit and going forward with that power in all that we do. I am totally open to however God will lead me through His Holy Spirit and know that this power is what represents the Kingdom of God.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to the world to lead all believers with power. I pray that I would always be open to how the Holy Spirit leads me and that this power could be used through me in whatever You call me to do so that I can glorify Your holy name. Your Kingdom is not about talk but about power that only comes from You through Your Holy Spirit - help me to be a witness and a representative of this in whatever capacity You call me. I give You everything and praise You forever. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
1 Cor. 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
(O)bservation-
The Kingdom of God is present on this earth in all who believe - it is embodied in our dynamic new lives in Christ and also through our humble obedience to Christ and His church. Living a life in the Kingdom is not characterized by idle talk born of human thought, but rather by the true power that comes from the holy Spirit. God sent His Holy Spirit to this earth with all power after Christ ascended to Heaven and He resides with each one of us today. Therefore, each believer in the Kingdom of God carries with him or her the power of the Holy Spirit and it is up to each one of us to allow the Holy Spirit to lead our lives so that we can use that power to do God's work and bring Him glory.
(A)pplication-
I want so much to be closer to the Holy Spirit and allow God's power to be used through me. God is not glorified by any of our human words, but rather by our acceptance and openness of being led by the Holy Spirit and going forward with that power in all that we do. I am totally open to however God will lead me through His Holy Spirit and know that this power is what represents the Kingdom of God.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to the world to lead all believers with power. I pray that I would always be open to how the Holy Spirit leads me and that this power could be used through me in whatever You call me to do so that I can glorify Your holy name. Your Kingdom is not about talk but about power that only comes from You through Your Holy Spirit - help me to be a witness and a representative of this in whatever capacity You call me. I give You everything and praise You forever. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
SOAP - Joshua 1, 2; Psalm 37; 1 Corinthians 3
(S)cripture-
Psalm 37:7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
(O)bservation-
The Lord's plan for us is to be prosperous. However, God's plans are always according to His perfect timing. Sometimes this means that we have to wait patiently for Him. In certain matters we cannot rush into things and we are certainly not called to follow in the footsteps of those who 'succeed' by their ungodly actions. We are to wait patiently on the Lord - He wishes to prosper us and not harm us and the doors that we are supposed to walk through will open at the appropriate time, according to God's timing and His will.
(A)pplication-
I need to focus on this and committing my heart to believing more fully in God's timing. I don't want to forget that God's plans are to prosper me. I want to wait on Him because He knows all, sees the future, and will lay out a path to prosper me - I trust in His pure and perfect will but I need to be better on waiting patiently on Him.
(P)rayer-
Father, please give me the strength and discipline to wait patiently on You. Many times You desire action from us, but You also require us to be still and wait at other times. Help me to discern when to wait patiently and to also recognize when doors are opening and that it's time to take action. Your will is perfect and I want to honor and serve You according to Your calling. I know Your plan is to prosper and not harm me and I want to be Your good and faithful servant, glorifying You in all that I do. I love You and trust in You - In Jesus' name, Amen.
Psalm 37:7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
(O)bservation-
The Lord's plan for us is to be prosperous. However, God's plans are always according to His perfect timing. Sometimes this means that we have to wait patiently for Him. In certain matters we cannot rush into things and we are certainly not called to follow in the footsteps of those who 'succeed' by their ungodly actions. We are to wait patiently on the Lord - He wishes to prosper us and not harm us and the doors that we are supposed to walk through will open at the appropriate time, according to God's timing and His will.
(A)pplication-
I need to focus on this and committing my heart to believing more fully in God's timing. I don't want to forget that God's plans are to prosper me. I want to wait on Him because He knows all, sees the future, and will lay out a path to prosper me - I trust in His pure and perfect will but I need to be better on waiting patiently on Him.
(P)rayer-
Father, please give me the strength and discipline to wait patiently on You. Many times You desire action from us, but You also require us to be still and wait at other times. Help me to discern when to wait patiently and to also recognize when doors are opening and that it's time to take action. Your will is perfect and I want to honor and serve You according to Your calling. I know Your plan is to prosper and not harm me and I want to be Your good and faithful servant, glorifying You in all that I do. I love You and trust in You - In Jesus' name, Amen.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
SOAP - Deuteronomy 32 - 34; 1 Corinthians 2
(S)cripture-
1 Cor. 2:12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
(O)bservation-
As believers, we do not have the spirit of the world in us but we have God's Holy Spirit. We live in this world, but we are freed from our sinful natures and we no longer have to conform to the ways of the world. God set us free by sending Jesus to die on the cross for us and raising Him from the dead - breaking the grip that the world has on us and releasing us from the power of sin, evil, and death. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit in us - to teach us what is godly and lead us in doing God's will. Through the Holy Spirit we can come closer to God and know the things He has freely given us. We have a deeper appreciation for Jesus' sacrifice and our salvation, the gifts that God has given to each one of us, and the things that God has planned for us both now and in the future.
(A)pplication-
I completely humble myself before God, giving Him everything and asking that He lead me through His Holy Spirit in everything I do. I don't want to miss a single opportunity of doing His will or what He has planned for me. My desire is to intimately know the Holy Spirit, who intimately knows God, and to be led by Him and have a deep understanding of everything that God has freely given to me.
(P)rayer-
Heavenly Father, I pray that Your Holy Spirit would lead me in all that I do and that I would more fully know and understand what You have freely given to me. I already know that I am so blessed and it is only through Your love and grace that I have the most precious gift salvation through Jesus Christ. Please lead me through Your Holy Spirit that I would be a mighty warrior for Your Kingdom - and that I would prosper, achieve, and soar at great heights in accordance with Your will and thereby glorifying Your holy name. I love and praise You. Amen.
1 Cor. 2:12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
(O)bservation-
As believers, we do not have the spirit of the world in us but we have God's Holy Spirit. We live in this world, but we are freed from our sinful natures and we no longer have to conform to the ways of the world. God set us free by sending Jesus to die on the cross for us and raising Him from the dead - breaking the grip that the world has on us and releasing us from the power of sin, evil, and death. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit in us - to teach us what is godly and lead us in doing God's will. Through the Holy Spirit we can come closer to God and know the things He has freely given us. We have a deeper appreciation for Jesus' sacrifice and our salvation, the gifts that God has given to each one of us, and the things that God has planned for us both now and in the future.
(A)pplication-
I completely humble myself before God, giving Him everything and asking that He lead me through His Holy Spirit in everything I do. I don't want to miss a single opportunity of doing His will or what He has planned for me. My desire is to intimately know the Holy Spirit, who intimately knows God, and to be led by Him and have a deep understanding of everything that God has freely given to me.
(P)rayer-
Heavenly Father, I pray that Your Holy Spirit would lead me in all that I do and that I would more fully know and understand what You have freely given to me. I already know that I am so blessed and it is only through Your love and grace that I have the most precious gift salvation through Jesus Christ. Please lead me through Your Holy Spirit that I would be a mighty warrior for Your Kingdom - and that I would prosper, achieve, and soar at great heights in accordance with Your will and thereby glorifying Your holy name. I love and praise You. Amen.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
SOAP - Deuteronomy 30, 31; Psalm 40; 1 Corinthians 1
(S)cripture-
Psalm 40:10 I do not hide Your righteousness in my heart; I speak of Your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal Your love and Your truth from the great assembly.
(O)bservation-
God is perfectly righteous and faithful in everything He does and in dealing with His children. King David realized how awesome this was and did not want to keep it to himself, but rather to live a life filled with praise to our glorious God. On many occasions God has shown His love and faithfulness to His people and David was not ashamed to let others know about it.
(A)pplication-
God has shown His perfect righteousness and faithfulness to me on many occasions as well. I do not want to bottle this up inside me but rather to be a witness to His awesome love, grace, and faithfulness - to give Him all the praise that He so richly deserves and desires from us. When I go to our great assembly - that is, our church - I go with an attitude of worship and praise for our great God and not one of 'what's in it for me'. God has been so faithful to me and I want to keep living a life of praise to Him.
(P)rayer-
Lord God in Heaven, thank You for Your righteousness and faithfulness to Your people. I give You all of my praise and worship for Your love and grace that You pour out for us. Please help me to never hide any of this in my heart but to always express freely how blessed I am by You. Because of Your great love You sent Jesus to save us, to redeem us and deliver us from the pit of Hell, and for this I could never express enough gratitude and praise for You. Thank You Father and I love You. Amen.
Psalm 40:10 I do not hide Your righteousness in my heart; I speak of Your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal Your love and Your truth from the great assembly.
(O)bservation-
God is perfectly righteous and faithful in everything He does and in dealing with His children. King David realized how awesome this was and did not want to keep it to himself, but rather to live a life filled with praise to our glorious God. On many occasions God has shown His love and faithfulness to His people and David was not ashamed to let others know about it.
(A)pplication-
God has shown His perfect righteousness and faithfulness to me on many occasions as well. I do not want to bottle this up inside me but rather to be a witness to His awesome love, grace, and faithfulness - to give Him all the praise that He so richly deserves and desires from us. When I go to our great assembly - that is, our church - I go with an attitude of worship and praise for our great God and not one of 'what's in it for me'. God has been so faithful to me and I want to keep living a life of praise to Him.
(P)rayer-
Lord God in Heaven, thank You for Your righteousness and faithfulness to Your people. I give You all of my praise and worship for Your love and grace that You pour out for us. Please help me to never hide any of this in my heart but to always express freely how blessed I am by You. Because of Your great love You sent Jesus to save us, to redeem us and deliver us from the pit of Hell, and for this I could never express enough gratitude and praise for You. Thank You Father and I love You. Amen.
Monday, March 15, 2010
SOAP - Deuteronomy 28 - 29; Galatians 6
(S)cripture-
Gal. 6:4-5 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
(O)bservation-
God created us in His image, but He also created us to be unique individuals, each with his or her own special set of gifts, talents, and abilities. God's desire for our lives is to use these unique gifts in the best way that we can to fulfill the purpose of our lives and to glorify Him. Since we are all different with our own unique gifts and purposes, we are not to compare ourselves with others. We need to look into our own hearts and at our own gifts and abilities and ask ourselves if we are living our lives according to how God made us. We each have our own places in the Kingdom and our own work to do and this is what we need to be concerned about. Our responsibility is to be the best we can each be based on how God made us and what gifts we've been blessed with - to be happy with maximizing our own potential and not measuring up to anyone else's standards.
(A)pplication-
I know that I am guilty to some degree of looking at others and trying to do what they do and measure up to that as my standard. This is not right. I started a journey a few months ago to discover my own design and get in touch with the gifts that God has blessed me with. As these are uncovered I want to put each one to work and maximize my potential according to how I am made. I am going to stop comparing myself to others and wondering why I am not being used in this way or that. Instead, I will lean into the fact that I have a very unique and specialized set of gifts, talents, and abilities and dedicate myself to finding these and putting them to work for God's glory.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for making me the way that You did. Help me in discovering my own design and fully utilizing the gifts You've blessed me with so that I can fulfill Your purpose in my life and bring You glory. Please reveal these gifts to me and I ask that Your Holy Spirit would lead me in everything that I do - so that I would know it's Your will and not my will or my attempt to measure up to someone else's standard. I want to live to please You and as a witness to how fearfully and wonderfully You have created me. I humbly pray these things in Jesus' blessed name, Amen.
Gal. 6:4-5 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
(O)bservation-
God created us in His image, but He also created us to be unique individuals, each with his or her own special set of gifts, talents, and abilities. God's desire for our lives is to use these unique gifts in the best way that we can to fulfill the purpose of our lives and to glorify Him. Since we are all different with our own unique gifts and purposes, we are not to compare ourselves with others. We need to look into our own hearts and at our own gifts and abilities and ask ourselves if we are living our lives according to how God made us. We each have our own places in the Kingdom and our own work to do and this is what we need to be concerned about. Our responsibility is to be the best we can each be based on how God made us and what gifts we've been blessed with - to be happy with maximizing our own potential and not measuring up to anyone else's standards.
(A)pplication-
I know that I am guilty to some degree of looking at others and trying to do what they do and measure up to that as my standard. This is not right. I started a journey a few months ago to discover my own design and get in touch with the gifts that God has blessed me with. As these are uncovered I want to put each one to work and maximize my potential according to how I am made. I am going to stop comparing myself to others and wondering why I am not being used in this way or that. Instead, I will lean into the fact that I have a very unique and specialized set of gifts, talents, and abilities and dedicate myself to finding these and putting them to work for God's glory.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for making me the way that You did. Help me in discovering my own design and fully utilizing the gifts You've blessed me with so that I can fulfill Your purpose in my life and bring You glory. Please reveal these gifts to me and I ask that Your Holy Spirit would lead me in everything that I do - so that I would know it's Your will and not my will or my attempt to measure up to someone else's standard. I want to live to please You and as a witness to how fearfully and wonderfully You have created me. I humbly pray these things in Jesus' blessed name, Amen.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
SOAP - Deuteronomy 25 - 27; Galatians 5
(S)cripture-
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
(O)bservation-
These virtues embody Christian living and a godly life. However, we do not receive them by our own efforts in trying to follow a set of standards but rather they come from the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are celled to a higher standard and cannot just sit back and do nothing, being content in our salvation. Because we have been chosen to receive eternal salvation we must put forth every effort to live a godly life - if we do this then the Holy Spirit enables us to bear this fruit.
(A)pplication-
The Christian walk is far from easy. To receive salvation all we need to do is ask Jesus into our hearts, but to continue in living a godly life is hard work, and we must put all of our effort into it. I want my life to bear the fruit listed in these two verses, that I would be led by the Spirit in everything I do so that these things are present in me. Looking at this list I know that I have a lot of work to do, but I know that through prayer and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in me that this fruit will be produced.
(P)rayer-
Heavenly Father, please help me to be moldable before You. Please shape me into the fullest version of who You created me to be and that I would be open to being led by Your Holy Spirit to produce as much of the fruit of the Spirit as possible. I praise You that Your Spirit works within me and all of my brothers and sisters to produce these good things. Please help me to focus on doing what the Spirit leads me to do so that I would turn from my sinful nature and lead a godly life. I love and praise You in Jesus' name, Amen.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
(O)bservation-
These virtues embody Christian living and a godly life. However, we do not receive them by our own efforts in trying to follow a set of standards but rather they come from the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are celled to a higher standard and cannot just sit back and do nothing, being content in our salvation. Because we have been chosen to receive eternal salvation we must put forth every effort to live a godly life - if we do this then the Holy Spirit enables us to bear this fruit.
(A)pplication-
The Christian walk is far from easy. To receive salvation all we need to do is ask Jesus into our hearts, but to continue in living a godly life is hard work, and we must put all of our effort into it. I want my life to bear the fruit listed in these two verses, that I would be led by the Spirit in everything I do so that these things are present in me. Looking at this list I know that I have a lot of work to do, but I know that through prayer and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in me that this fruit will be produced.
(P)rayer-
Heavenly Father, please help me to be moldable before You. Please shape me into the fullest version of who You created me to be and that I would be open to being led by Your Holy Spirit to produce as much of the fruit of the Spirit as possible. I praise You that Your Spirit works within me and all of my brothers and sisters to produce these good things. Please help me to focus on doing what the Spirit leads me to do so that I would turn from my sinful nature and lead a godly life. I love and praise You in Jesus' name, Amen.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
SOAP - Deuteronomy 22 - 24; Galatians 4
(S)cripture-
Gal. 4:7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
(O)bservation-
Praise God for our inheritance that He has given to us because we are His sons (and daughters). This inheritance being our salvation and eternal life in Christ Jesus, which is the most important thing we could ever have. Prior to receiving this inheritance we were all slaves, held under the oppressive nature of this world and bound by the sin that can so easily entangle us. But now that we are God's children we are truly free because of the cross. Jesus paid the ultimate price for all of us - all we have to do is receive the gift and believe in Him and we are set free. In doing this we become God's children with an inheritance in Heaven forever.
(A)pplication-
I am so blessed to know that my future is secure and that I am God's son who has an eternal inheritance. Without Jesus, we would all still be slaves. Slaves to the law - judged by it and entangled in a web of sin - and slaves to the world being subject to all its ungodliness. But God said 'no way... I will send Jesus as a New Covenant so I can redeem My children to Me and whoever believes in Him will be an heir to My Kingdom in Heaven'. This is so cool that we have such a loving and gracious God!
(P)rayer-
Father God, thank You for my inheritance! I praise You for Your grace, love, and mercy that delivered me from the slavery of sin and things of this world. I am truly blessed to be Your son and that Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice to make that happen. I re-dedicate myself to You and ask Father that You lead me through Your Holy Spirit so that I would be an obedient son and witness for Your Kingdom in order to glorify Your Holy Name. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Gal. 4:7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
(O)bservation-
Praise God for our inheritance that He has given to us because we are His sons (and daughters). This inheritance being our salvation and eternal life in Christ Jesus, which is the most important thing we could ever have. Prior to receiving this inheritance we were all slaves, held under the oppressive nature of this world and bound by the sin that can so easily entangle us. But now that we are God's children we are truly free because of the cross. Jesus paid the ultimate price for all of us - all we have to do is receive the gift and believe in Him and we are set free. In doing this we become God's children with an inheritance in Heaven forever.
(A)pplication-
I am so blessed to know that my future is secure and that I am God's son who has an eternal inheritance. Without Jesus, we would all still be slaves. Slaves to the law - judged by it and entangled in a web of sin - and slaves to the world being subject to all its ungodliness. But God said 'no way... I will send Jesus as a New Covenant so I can redeem My children to Me and whoever believes in Him will be an heir to My Kingdom in Heaven'. This is so cool that we have such a loving and gracious God!
(P)rayer-
Father God, thank You for my inheritance! I praise You for Your grace, love, and mercy that delivered me from the slavery of sin and things of this world. I am truly blessed to be Your son and that Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice to make that happen. I re-dedicate myself to You and ask Father that You lead me through Your Holy Spirit so that I would be an obedient son and witness for Your Kingdom in order to glorify Your Holy Name. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Friday, March 12, 2010
SOAP - Deuteronomy 19 - 21; Galatians 3
(S)cripture-
Gal. 3:24 So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.
(O)bservation-
The law that was given to Moses came from God, so it is good and holy. However, obeying the law does not provide for our salvation - that only comes by faith in Christ. No one has ever been able to perfectly keep and obey God's laws - we all fail. The law was given as an ethical and moral guide to life; it draws a line between right and wrong, identifies what is sinful, and thus produces a curse on us when we don't do what is right before God. Most importantly it teaches us that we need a Savior. We need Jesus because we are not perfect - it is only through God's grace that we are saved. Jesus came to save the sinners of this world and we are only justified by our faith in Him.
(A)pplication-
The law is from God and so it is good and holy. It is not the means of my salvation but an ethical and moral guide for my life and I will obey it out of love for God and by the power that the Holy Spirit provides to me. I am thankful that my salvation is not dependent on perfectly following the law, because none of us can do that. In God's great love for us He gave His Son to redeem us to Him - we have this blood of the New Covenant that justifies us by our faith in Christ.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for giving us Your good and holy laws that guide us, but more importantly for sending Your Son Jesus to save us. I praise You that I am only justified by faith in Christ and not by following a set of laws. This is only possible because of Your love and grace - Your gift that I am not worthy of but that You poured out anyhow. Help me to obey Your laws the best I can and especially to never forget that I am only saved by my faith in Christ, who came to this earth and gave His life so that anyone who believes can receive the blessing of eternal life. Thank You for this most precious gift. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Gal. 3:24 So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.
(O)bservation-
The law that was given to Moses came from God, so it is good and holy. However, obeying the law does not provide for our salvation - that only comes by faith in Christ. No one has ever been able to perfectly keep and obey God's laws - we all fail. The law was given as an ethical and moral guide to life; it draws a line between right and wrong, identifies what is sinful, and thus produces a curse on us when we don't do what is right before God. Most importantly it teaches us that we need a Savior. We need Jesus because we are not perfect - it is only through God's grace that we are saved. Jesus came to save the sinners of this world and we are only justified by our faith in Him.
(A)pplication-
The law is from God and so it is good and holy. It is not the means of my salvation but an ethical and moral guide for my life and I will obey it out of love for God and by the power that the Holy Spirit provides to me. I am thankful that my salvation is not dependent on perfectly following the law, because none of us can do that. In God's great love for us He gave His Son to redeem us to Him - we have this blood of the New Covenant that justifies us by our faith in Christ.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for giving us Your good and holy laws that guide us, but more importantly for sending Your Son Jesus to save us. I praise You that I am only justified by faith in Christ and not by following a set of laws. This is only possible because of Your love and grace - Your gift that I am not worthy of but that You poured out anyhow. Help me to obey Your laws the best I can and especially to never forget that I am only saved by my faith in Christ, who came to this earth and gave His life so that anyone who believes can receive the blessing of eternal life. Thank You for this most precious gift. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
SOAP - Deuteronomy 16 - 18; Galatians 2
(S)cripture-
Galatians 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing.
(O)bservation-
The fact that Jesus died on the cross means everything for those who believe. It is not by any works that we do or rules or laws that we follow that saves us, but only by God's amazing grace. God's grace and love for us was demonstrated when Christ poured out His life for us at the cross - He took the sins of man with Him to the grave. He was then raised form the dead so that we too would not be subjected to the death that sin brings, but to have eternal life. This is all because of God's grace and not anything we do, have done, or could ever do.
(A)pplication-
I am so thankful for my new life in Christ, made possible only by God's grace. I am not perfect and continue to do things that displease God, but I try my best to follow and obey Him... and I know that even when I fall God is there to lift me up and I am covered by His grace.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for the power of the cross - for the redemptive power of Jesus' blood that was poured out for us because of Your great mercy and love and grace for Your children. Thank You for my new beginning and that I don't have to live under the bondage of sin and longer. Thank You for my eternal life and freedom through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. I love and praise You. Amen.
Galatians 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing.
(O)bservation-
The fact that Jesus died on the cross means everything for those who believe. It is not by any works that we do or rules or laws that we follow that saves us, but only by God's amazing grace. God's grace and love for us was demonstrated when Christ poured out His life for us at the cross - He took the sins of man with Him to the grave. He was then raised form the dead so that we too would not be subjected to the death that sin brings, but to have eternal life. This is all because of God's grace and not anything we do, have done, or could ever do.
(A)pplication-
I am so thankful for my new life in Christ, made possible only by God's grace. I am not perfect and continue to do things that displease God, but I try my best to follow and obey Him... and I know that even when I fall God is there to lift me up and I am covered by His grace.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for the power of the cross - for the redemptive power of Jesus' blood that was poured out for us because of Your great mercy and love and grace for Your children. Thank You for my new beginning and that I don't have to live under the bondage of sin and longer. Thank You for my eternal life and freedom through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. I love and praise You. Amen.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
SOAP - Deuteronomy 13 - 15; Galatians 1
(S)cripture-
Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
(O)bservation-
Paul gives us a great point to ponder and questions to ask ourselves. Whose approval do we want and who are we trying to please? We are 'in' this world in which we live but we don't have to be 'of' this world, not should we conform to it. Paul was not concerned with pleasing man or with worldly things, but wanted to please God and set his focus on godly things. Paul had been set free in his conversion by the redemption that is in Christ and now considered himself as a servant - or slave - to Christ. He devoted himself fully to his Master and to the works that were laid out before him by the Holy Spirit.
(A)pplication-
As believers, we need to follow this example that Paul gives us. We need to ask ourselves whose approval we want and who we want to please. Christ redeemed us all and set free from the bondage of sin all who believe in Him. Because God created me and because He sent His Son to redeem me, I commit everything to Him. I was once dead in my sin but now I am alive in Christ and will serve Him as I am led and with everything I have. I want to have God's approval and to be pleasing to Him.
(P)rayer-
Heavenly Father, thank You for setting me free through Your Son Jesus Christ. I pray that my life would be pleasing and glorifying to You. I want to serve You and not seek the approval of men or worldly things - I know that my treasure is in Heaven. Please give me the strength and courage and focus to do Your will, regardless of what the world tells me. Lord, I commit everything to You - including myself in service to You. I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
(O)bservation-
Paul gives us a great point to ponder and questions to ask ourselves. Whose approval do we want and who are we trying to please? We are 'in' this world in which we live but we don't have to be 'of' this world, not should we conform to it. Paul was not concerned with pleasing man or with worldly things, but wanted to please God and set his focus on godly things. Paul had been set free in his conversion by the redemption that is in Christ and now considered himself as a servant - or slave - to Christ. He devoted himself fully to his Master and to the works that were laid out before him by the Holy Spirit.
(A)pplication-
As believers, we need to follow this example that Paul gives us. We need to ask ourselves whose approval we want and who we want to please. Christ redeemed us all and set free from the bondage of sin all who believe in Him. Because God created me and because He sent His Son to redeem me, I commit everything to Him. I was once dead in my sin but now I am alive in Christ and will serve Him as I am led and with everything I have. I want to have God's approval and to be pleasing to Him.
(P)rayer-
Heavenly Father, thank You for setting me free through Your Son Jesus Christ. I pray that my life would be pleasing and glorifying to You. I want to serve You and not seek the approval of men or worldly things - I know that my treasure is in Heaven. Please give me the strength and courage and focus to do Your will, regardless of what the world tells me. Lord, I commit everything to You - including myself in service to You. I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
SOAP - Deuteronomy 10 - 12; Mark 16
(S)cripture-
Mark 16:6 "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him."
(O)bservation-
The three women who were going to anoint Jesus' dead body were clearly shaken when they saw the large stone to the tomb was rolled away and the angel of the Lord told them that He was not there. The angel confirmed that Jesus, who was crucified, had risen from the dead just as He had previously told His disciples. As believers, this embodies our great hope. Jesus died for our sins - He bore the sins of all mankind, taking them to the cross. God then redeemed us by Jesus' resurrection, defeating sin and death and evil once and for all. Jesus now sits at God's right hand, the place of honor, until He comes to this earth again to take His people home into Heaven.
(A)pplication-
I want to make sure that everyone knows the Gospel message of Christ - that He came to this earth to save us from our sins and that this gift is available to all who believe. He came to this earth as a man to live among us and teach us, was crucified, dead, and buried, and has risen from the dead to save us all. As we approach Easter and celebrate our great Hope I want to make sure that I am acutely aware of the price Jesus paid to save me - and to continue to honor, praise, and serve Him for the rest of my days.
(P)rayer-
Father God, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to pay the ultimate price to save us for all eternity. It is by Your power and grace that I am saved and free from the bondage of sin. Help me to share this message with others - that Jesus died for all of us, that You raised Him from the dead, and that He is alive! Lord God, I love and praise You and give You all the glory forever. Amen.
Mark 16:6 "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him."
(O)bservation-
The three women who were going to anoint Jesus' dead body were clearly shaken when they saw the large stone to the tomb was rolled away and the angel of the Lord told them that He was not there. The angel confirmed that Jesus, who was crucified, had risen from the dead just as He had previously told His disciples. As believers, this embodies our great hope. Jesus died for our sins - He bore the sins of all mankind, taking them to the cross. God then redeemed us by Jesus' resurrection, defeating sin and death and evil once and for all. Jesus now sits at God's right hand, the place of honor, until He comes to this earth again to take His people home into Heaven.
(A)pplication-
I want to make sure that everyone knows the Gospel message of Christ - that He came to this earth to save us from our sins and that this gift is available to all who believe. He came to this earth as a man to live among us and teach us, was crucified, dead, and buried, and has risen from the dead to save us all. As we approach Easter and celebrate our great Hope I want to make sure that I am acutely aware of the price Jesus paid to save me - and to continue to honor, praise, and serve Him for the rest of my days.
(P)rayer-
Father God, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to pay the ultimate price to save us for all eternity. It is by Your power and grace that I am saved and free from the bondage of sin. Help me to share this message with others - that Jesus died for all of us, that You raised Him from the dead, and that He is alive! Lord God, I love and praise You and give You all the glory forever. Amen.
Monday, March 8, 2010
SOAP - Deuteronomy 7 - 9; Mark 15
(S)cripture-
Deut. 8:5 Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.
(O)bservation-
God is our Father in Heaven - He loves His children and will always provide for them. However, because He loves us He also disciplines us. He tests us by putting us in situations to reveal what is in our hearts and to see if we are true to our faith in Him. He may also humble us by having us go 'without' for a period of time, so that we don't rely on the things of this world but understand that He provides what we need... that He sustains us.
(A)pplication-
I am thankful for my God who does not allow me to run wild and do my own thing, but loves me enough to discipline me. I have certainly had a large dose of discipline over the last year-and-a-half or so, but I have been blessed greatly in realizing and knowing that I don't need the 'stuff' of this world. Many of the worldly things that I had a couple years ago are history, but I have been richly blessed by becoming closer to my wife and children and most importantly that I feel closer to God today than I have been in my entire life. I know that God's discipline is out of His love for me and I trust that it is in my best interest, even if I don't see it from where I'm at right now.
(P)rayers-
Father God, thank You for loving me and caring for me enough to discipline me. I am truly blessed to be Your child. I trust in You and pray that I would be moldable before You as You shape me more and more every day to be of service to You. Lord, I give You everything and humble myself before You - I know You are with me and will provide for all my needs. Please give me the strength, courage, and direction to be Your good and faithful servant to glorify Your name. I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
Deut. 8:5 Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.
(O)bservation-
God is our Father in Heaven - He loves His children and will always provide for them. However, because He loves us He also disciplines us. He tests us by putting us in situations to reveal what is in our hearts and to see if we are true to our faith in Him. He may also humble us by having us go 'without' for a period of time, so that we don't rely on the things of this world but understand that He provides what we need... that He sustains us.
(A)pplication-
I am thankful for my God who does not allow me to run wild and do my own thing, but loves me enough to discipline me. I have certainly had a large dose of discipline over the last year-and-a-half or so, but I have been blessed greatly in realizing and knowing that I don't need the 'stuff' of this world. Many of the worldly things that I had a couple years ago are history, but I have been richly blessed by becoming closer to my wife and children and most importantly that I feel closer to God today than I have been in my entire life. I know that God's discipline is out of His love for me and I trust that it is in my best interest, even if I don't see it from where I'm at right now.
(P)rayers-
Father God, thank You for loving me and caring for me enough to discipline me. I am truly blessed to be Your child. I trust in You and pray that I would be moldable before You as You shape me more and more every day to be of service to You. Lord, I give You everything and humble myself before You - I know You are with me and will provide for all my needs. Please give me the strength, courage, and direction to be Your good and faithful servant to glorify Your name. I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
SOAP - Deuteronomy 5, 6; Psalm 43; Mark 14
(S)cripture-
Mark 14:24 "This is my blood of the Covenant, which is poured out for many," He said to them.
(O)bservation-
While in the upper room with the apostles observing the first Lord's Supper, Jesus made this statement. He was about to go to the cross to make atonement for the sins of mankind. His life would be poured out for many and anyone who believes in Him would be able to receive the gift of eternal life. As believers, this is our great reward. As believers, this is our great commission - to share the Gospel message with others so that they have a chance to hear it, to believe and receive the cup of Christ, and to be saved.
(A)pplication-
I thank God for the cup of Christ - for His shedding of blood on the cross and His resurrection which secures my eternity in Heaven. There is no greater treasure that I have than this. My goal and purpose is to let the light of Christ shine within me, to be a great witness to others, and share the Gospel so others can hear it. Everyone needs to know that Christ poured His life out for each and every one of us.
(P)rayer-
Lord Jesus, thank You for my salvation made possible because You poured out Your life for me. You saved me from the clutches of evil and the pit of Hell and made it possible for me to be redeemed to our Father in Heaven and spend eternity with You in paradise. Please guide me through Your Holy Spirit in sharing this with others so that they too may believe in You and receive this same blessing. Your great love for us is beyond comprehension because it is so big, and for this I am truly thankful. Lord, I love You and thank You - to You and only You I direct all of my praise. Amen.
Mark 14:24 "This is my blood of the Covenant, which is poured out for many," He said to them.
(O)bservation-
While in the upper room with the apostles observing the first Lord's Supper, Jesus made this statement. He was about to go to the cross to make atonement for the sins of mankind. His life would be poured out for many and anyone who believes in Him would be able to receive the gift of eternal life. As believers, this is our great reward. As believers, this is our great commission - to share the Gospel message with others so that they have a chance to hear it, to believe and receive the cup of Christ, and to be saved.
(A)pplication-
I thank God for the cup of Christ - for His shedding of blood on the cross and His resurrection which secures my eternity in Heaven. There is no greater treasure that I have than this. My goal and purpose is to let the light of Christ shine within me, to be a great witness to others, and share the Gospel so others can hear it. Everyone needs to know that Christ poured His life out for each and every one of us.
(P)rayer-
Lord Jesus, thank You for my salvation made possible because You poured out Your life for me. You saved me from the clutches of evil and the pit of Hell and made it possible for me to be redeemed to our Father in Heaven and spend eternity with You in paradise. Please guide me through Your Holy Spirit in sharing this with others so that they too may believe in You and receive this same blessing. Your great love for us is beyond comprehension because it is so big, and for this I am truly thankful. Lord, I love You and thank You - to You and only You I direct all of my praise. Amen.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
SOAP - Deuteronomy 3, 4; Psalm 36; Mark 13
(S)cripture-
Psalm 36:9 For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.
(O)bservation-
God is the source of life and power for His people - He created us, sustains us, and is our never-ending source of power and strength. By His love and grace for us, He sent His Son to redeem us - as believers we have the water of eternal life through faith and hope in Jesus Christ. God shines His light on us and we receive His blessing and deliverance, and because of this we have fullness of life and everything that it was meant to be. Part of the fullness of life is the reproduction of life in others. By sowing the seeds of the Gospel of Christ and sharing with others we are giving them the opportunity to hear the Message and accept it, for the seed to take root and start to grow, creating new life for all who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.
(A)pplication-
God is my well-spring of life - all of my strength is from Him - and it is only because of Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross and resurrection that I am redeemed and have the blessing from the fountain of eternal life. I want to share this with others - to live life to the fullest and be a great witness of God's love and grace so that others have the opportunity to hear the Gospel and also receive this most precious of gifts.
(P)rayer-
Father God, You and only You are my fountain of life - everything I have is because of Your great love and mercy and blessing. I commit myself fully to You and please use me to do Your work on this earth - to glorify Your name. Thank You for my salvation which is secure through You Son Jesus Christ and help me to sow the seeds of the Gospel so that they have the opportunity to grow in those who hear it - that they too may have the gift of eternal life. I love and praise You and I pray these things in the name of our blessed Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
Psalm 36:9 For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.
(O)bservation-
God is the source of life and power for His people - He created us, sustains us, and is our never-ending source of power and strength. By His love and grace for us, He sent His Son to redeem us - as believers we have the water of eternal life through faith and hope in Jesus Christ. God shines His light on us and we receive His blessing and deliverance, and because of this we have fullness of life and everything that it was meant to be. Part of the fullness of life is the reproduction of life in others. By sowing the seeds of the Gospel of Christ and sharing with others we are giving them the opportunity to hear the Message and accept it, for the seed to take root and start to grow, creating new life for all who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.
(A)pplication-
God is my well-spring of life - all of my strength is from Him - and it is only because of Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross and resurrection that I am redeemed and have the blessing from the fountain of eternal life. I want to share this with others - to live life to the fullest and be a great witness of God's love and grace so that others have the opportunity to hear the Gospel and also receive this most precious of gifts.
(P)rayer-
Father God, You and only You are my fountain of life - everything I have is because of Your great love and mercy and blessing. I commit myself fully to You and please use me to do Your work on this earth - to glorify Your name. Thank You for my salvation which is secure through You Son Jesus Christ and help me to sow the seeds of the Gospel so that they have the opportunity to grow in those who hear it - that they too may have the gift of eternal life. I love and praise You and I pray these things in the name of our blessed Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
Friday, March 5, 2010
SOAP - Deuteronomy 1, 2; Mark 12
(S)cripture-
Mark 12:30: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
(O)bservation-
The Jewish rabbis of Jesus time had some 613 individual rules and statutes of their law and they tried to break them down into really important ones and those that were lesser. When a Jewish teacher of the law asked Jesus which of all the commandments was the greatest, this is how He answered. We are not only to love God but to love Him with absolutely everything we have - a full commitment in love to Him. This full commitment of love involves our inner selves - heart, soul, and mind - as well as our strength, which is not only our inner resolve to want to love Him but also our physical strength to love Him by our acts of service for His Kingdom in accordance with His will.
(A)pplication-
I love the Lord our God - for me there is no other choice that I would want to make. God created us and everything we see, and even though mankind has sinned so greatly and turned their backs on Him, He still loved us enough to send His Son to save us. Jesus gives us this greatest command - the most important thing we are supposed to do - and this is the top priority and focus of my life.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for Your abounding and limitless love for us. I am truly blessed that You are my God and that I am created in Your image, as a being also capable of love. Help me in my walk every day to grow deeper in my love for You. I give You everything and please lead me and give me the strength to serve You in my calling. Lord God, I love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.
Mark 12:30: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
(O)bservation-
The Jewish rabbis of Jesus time had some 613 individual rules and statutes of their law and they tried to break them down into really important ones and those that were lesser. When a Jewish teacher of the law asked Jesus which of all the commandments was the greatest, this is how He answered. We are not only to love God but to love Him with absolutely everything we have - a full commitment in love to Him. This full commitment of love involves our inner selves - heart, soul, and mind - as well as our strength, which is not only our inner resolve to want to love Him but also our physical strength to love Him by our acts of service for His Kingdom in accordance with His will.
(A)pplication-
I love the Lord our God - for me there is no other choice that I would want to make. God created us and everything we see, and even though mankind has sinned so greatly and turned their backs on Him, He still loved us enough to send His Son to save us. Jesus gives us this greatest command - the most important thing we are supposed to do - and this is the top priority and focus of my life.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for Your abounding and limitless love for us. I am truly blessed that You are my God and that I am created in Your image, as a being also capable of love. Help me in my walk every day to grow deeper in my love for You. I give You everything and please lead me and give me the strength to serve You in my calling. Lord God, I love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
SOAP - Numbers 34 - 36; Mark 11
(S)cripture-
Mark 11:24 "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have already received it and it will be yours."
(O)bservation-
God allows us to come to Him directly with our prayers, but He wants us to bring our requests in confident faith that they will be granted. In this way our faith and belief is tested. God wants to give us the desires of our hearts, but only if they are aligned with godly things in accordance with His will. When we approach God in prayer we need to do it confidently and with the mindset that it is already a done deal, and then it will be so.
(A)pplication-
I think I can use help in this area. When I pray I need to be more confident that it will be done. I want to make sure my prayers are born out of things pleasing to God and in accordance with His will and not from any selfish desire of mine. I need to understand fully that God wants to give us the desires of our hearts and then go to Him boldly in confidence and belief that it will be done.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for being our loving God who is interested in our prayers and wants to gives us what we ask. I pray to You for help in having more confidence in what I pray for and believe in my mind that it is already done - You tell us if we do that then You will give us what we pray for. Please help me in this area and that I would be a great witness to others for Your Kingdom. Thank You for blessing me so richly and especially for my salvation through Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
Mark 11:24 "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have already received it and it will be yours."
(O)bservation-
God allows us to come to Him directly with our prayers, but He wants us to bring our requests in confident faith that they will be granted. In this way our faith and belief is tested. God wants to give us the desires of our hearts, but only if they are aligned with godly things in accordance with His will. When we approach God in prayer we need to do it confidently and with the mindset that it is already a done deal, and then it will be so.
(A)pplication-
I think I can use help in this area. When I pray I need to be more confident that it will be done. I want to make sure my prayers are born out of things pleasing to God and in accordance with His will and not from any selfish desire of mine. I need to understand fully that God wants to give us the desires of our hearts and then go to Him boldly in confidence and belief that it will be done.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for being our loving God who is interested in our prayers and wants to gives us what we ask. I pray to You for help in having more confidence in what I pray for and believe in my mind that it is already done - You tell us if we do that then You will give us what we pray for. Please help me in this area and that I would be a great witness to others for Your Kingdom. Thank You for blessing me so richly and especially for my salvation through Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
SOAP - Number 32, 33; Mark 10
(S)cripture-
Mark 10:15 " I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
(O)bservation-
Jesus said that we need to receive the Kingdom like little children, not that we are supposed to immature and undeveloped but rather that we need to mimic a child's openness and receptiveness. Too many times we think that we can achieve things by our own efforts and doing, but this is certainly not true about entering the Kingdom of God. It is only through God's grace through Christ Jesus that we can enter the Kingdom. Our salvation is a gift from God - we need to receive it. There is nothing we can do to earn it because we are totally undeserving and unworthy of it, yet God makes it available to us anyhow as a precious gift.
(A)pplication-
I want my faith to be like that of a child - never boastful or proud, but always open and receptive and pure. The only reason I have eternal life is because of God's grace and because I have received the gift that He has offered to everyone. I want to make sure that everyone knows about this gift so that they too have a chance to receive it and be saved.
(P)rayer-
Gracious God, thank You for the most precious gift of all - salvation and eternal life through Your Son Jesus Christ. There is nothing anyone can do to merit this and it is only by Your grace that we can receive it. Thank You for finding me, calling me, and saving me. I give You everything and please lead me through Your Holy Spirit in serving You and telling others about this gift so that they will have an opportunity to receive it and be saved as well. Father, I give You all of my love and praise and only to You belongs the glory forever. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Mark 10:15 " I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
(O)bservation-
Jesus said that we need to receive the Kingdom like little children, not that we are supposed to immature and undeveloped but rather that we need to mimic a child's openness and receptiveness. Too many times we think that we can achieve things by our own efforts and doing, but this is certainly not true about entering the Kingdom of God. It is only through God's grace through Christ Jesus that we can enter the Kingdom. Our salvation is a gift from God - we need to receive it. There is nothing we can do to earn it because we are totally undeserving and unworthy of it, yet God makes it available to us anyhow as a precious gift.
(A)pplication-
I want my faith to be like that of a child - never boastful or proud, but always open and receptive and pure. The only reason I have eternal life is because of God's grace and because I have received the gift that He has offered to everyone. I want to make sure that everyone knows about this gift so that they too have a chance to receive it and be saved.
(P)rayer-
Gracious God, thank You for the most precious gift of all - salvation and eternal life through Your Son Jesus Christ. There is nothing anyone can do to merit this and it is only by Your grace that we can receive it. Thank You for finding me, calling me, and saving me. I give You everything and please lead me through Your Holy Spirit in serving You and telling others about this gift so that they will have an opportunity to receive it and be saved as well. Father, I give You all of my love and praise and only to You belongs the glory forever. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
SOAP - Numbers 30, 31; Mark 9
(S)cripture-
Mark 9:23 "'If You can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
(O)bservation-
First and foremost, God can do anything. Jesus here is responding to a man who asks if He can do anything to help his son who was possessed by an evil spirit. The question is not one of whether God can do something but whether we believe that He can. God has the power to do anything - He is the Creator of the universe and has dominion over everything, including us and especially over all the forces of darkness and evil. We are human and we are not perfect and therefore our faith is not perfect; we will always be subject to our moments of weakness when Satan attacks our belief. In these times we need to pray to God for help with that and He will hear us. A person who seeks God with all of His heart and truly believes will set no limits or boundaries on what God can do and therefore all things are most certainly possible.
(A)pplication-
I know in my heart that God can do all things. I want my faith and belief to be solid like a rock, but I also know that there will be times when that comes under attack. At those times I will do my best to realize what is happening and to immediately go to the Lord in prayer to ask for help in withstanding the attack. I know He is with me, will never leave me, and can do all things.
(P)rayer-
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us through Your ministry and miracles that all things are possible for him who believes. In this day and age some 2,000 year after You walked the earth in human form, help us to not forget Your mighty power and enduring love that You have for us. Lord God, I believe You can do all things and please help me when my faith is under attack that I will not waiver in what I know in my heart to be the Truth. I thank You for the work You have done in my life so far and for that which is yet to come. Father, I know You have plans for my future that I can't even imagine yet - please help me to have full faith and belief in You because I don't want to put any limitations on what You can do because of any lack of belief on my part. I give You all praise and glory and honor - Lord I thank You and love You. Amen.
Mark 9:23 "'If You can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
(O)bservation-
First and foremost, God can do anything. Jesus here is responding to a man who asks if He can do anything to help his son who was possessed by an evil spirit. The question is not one of whether God can do something but whether we believe that He can. God has the power to do anything - He is the Creator of the universe and has dominion over everything, including us and especially over all the forces of darkness and evil. We are human and we are not perfect and therefore our faith is not perfect; we will always be subject to our moments of weakness when Satan attacks our belief. In these times we need to pray to God for help with that and He will hear us. A person who seeks God with all of His heart and truly believes will set no limits or boundaries on what God can do and therefore all things are most certainly possible.
(A)pplication-
I know in my heart that God can do all things. I want my faith and belief to be solid like a rock, but I also know that there will be times when that comes under attack. At those times I will do my best to realize what is happening and to immediately go to the Lord in prayer to ask for help in withstanding the attack. I know He is with me, will never leave me, and can do all things.
(P)rayer-
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us through Your ministry and miracles that all things are possible for him who believes. In this day and age some 2,000 year after You walked the earth in human form, help us to not forget Your mighty power and enduring love that You have for us. Lord God, I believe You can do all things and please help me when my faith is under attack that I will not waiver in what I know in my heart to be the Truth. I thank You for the work You have done in my life so far and for that which is yet to come. Father, I know You have plans for my future that I can't even imagine yet - please help me to have full faith and belief in You because I don't want to put any limitations on what You can do because of any lack of belief on my part. I give You all praise and glory and honor - Lord I thank You and love You. Amen.
Monday, March 1, 2010
SOAP - Numbers 28, 29; Mark 8
(S)cripture-
Mark 8:34 Then He called the crowd to Him along with His disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
(O)bservation-
In order to be a disciple of Christ we must be willing to give up everything for Him. We need to take the focus off of ourselves and not be selfish in our actions. We also must be willing to suffer for the Kingdom, even to death if that is what is required. Jesus came to this earth as a sacrifice, to save the world from its sin. But first Jesus ministered to all who would hear Him and we need to follow His teachings and do what He commanded us to do. We receive eternal life by accepting Jesus in our hearts as Lord and Savior but we become disciples when we take action in obedience to our faith in Christ.
(A)pplication-
I want to be obedient to Christ - to take the focus off of myself and follow Him, even if it means that I must suffer greatly in doing this. These last two years have been incredibly difficult and trying times, especially from a worldly point of view, and this has prompted me to look at things differently and re-evaluate my priorities in life. I feel like I am closer to my Lord today than I have ever been in my entire life and this is what is truly important to me.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for sending Jesus to this earth to live among us, to minister to us, and ultimately to die for us. We don't deserve it, yet through Your amazing love and grace for us You desire to reconcile and redeem Your people back to You. Lord, I give You everything, including my own life, and please lead me through Your Holy Spirit that I would be a good and faithful servant for Your Kingdom and to be a great witness of Your amazing love and grace and to bring You glory. I love and praise You! Amen.
Mark 8:34 Then He called the crowd to Him along with His disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
(O)bservation-
In order to be a disciple of Christ we must be willing to give up everything for Him. We need to take the focus off of ourselves and not be selfish in our actions. We also must be willing to suffer for the Kingdom, even to death if that is what is required. Jesus came to this earth as a sacrifice, to save the world from its sin. But first Jesus ministered to all who would hear Him and we need to follow His teachings and do what He commanded us to do. We receive eternal life by accepting Jesus in our hearts as Lord and Savior but we become disciples when we take action in obedience to our faith in Christ.
(A)pplication-
I want to be obedient to Christ - to take the focus off of myself and follow Him, even if it means that I must suffer greatly in doing this. These last two years have been incredibly difficult and trying times, especially from a worldly point of view, and this has prompted me to look at things differently and re-evaluate my priorities in life. I feel like I am closer to my Lord today than I have ever been in my entire life and this is what is truly important to me.
(P)rayer-
Father, thank You for sending Jesus to this earth to live among us, to minister to us, and ultimately to die for us. We don't deserve it, yet through Your amazing love and grace for us You desire to reconcile and redeem Your people back to You. Lord, I give You everything, including my own life, and please lead me through Your Holy Spirit that I would be a good and faithful servant for Your Kingdom and to be a great witness of Your amazing love and grace and to bring You glory. I love and praise You! Amen.
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