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.