SOAP December 27, 2014

Scripture:The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer. (Psalm 6:9 ESV)

Observation: He listens to us.

Application: God not only hears us, He sees us.  He knows the full story and what is best for us.

Prayer: Daddy, thank You for being our Father, our daddy, who loves us and knows how to take care of us.  Amen.

SOAP December 23, 2014

Scripture: The people of Israel shall pitch their tents by their companies, each man in his own camp and each man by his own standard. (Numbers 1:52 ESV)

Observation: community is important.

Application: don't go through life alone, go through life in a community of believers.

Prayer: Daddy, continue to show me Your community.  Amen.

SOAP December 17, 2014

Scripture:And he burned the house of the Lord, and the king’s house and all the houses of Jerusalem; every great house he burned down. (Jeremiah 52:13 ESV)

Observation: the physical house of the Lord was burned down.

Application: Do not be taken by the sparkle and glamour of things (music, decorations, lights, sound gear, etc.) in a church.  The building itself is not the Lords house, for He dwells in us. 

Prayer: Daddy, let us not allow the things involved in worship to become the worshiped.  Let Your reign be supreme in our lives, in every aspect.  Amen.

December 15, 2014

Scripture: When you finish reading this book, tie a stone to it and cast it into the midst of the Euphrates, and say, ‘Thus shall Babylon sink, to rise no more, because of the disaster that I am bringing upon her, and they shall become exhausted.’” Thus far are the words of Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 51:63-64 ESV)

Observation: a strong judgement!

Application: sometimes the Lord gives us hard words to speak...and we need to speak them, for they are not about us, but about what God is doing with or without you.

Prayer: Daddy, grant us hearts to follow wherever you leade, to speak words that you would give us to speak.  For Your honor and glory.  Amen.

SOAP December 14, 2014

Scripture:Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of hosts is his name. He will surely plead their cause, that he may give rest to the earth, but unrest to the inhabitants of Babylon. (Jeremiah 50:34 ESV)

Observation: God appointed Himself as redeemer.  He took up their cause.

Application: Relax and know that God has got our back!

Prayer: Daddy, thank You for Your love and protection.  Thank You for salvation and for all that You are.  Amen.

SOAP December 13, 2014

Scripture: “But in the latter days I will restore the fortunes of Elam, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 49:39 ESV)

Observation: All through Jeremiah, there is destruction, judgement, etc., yet repeatedly there is declaration of future restoration.

Application: Though we may stumble and fall, we are restored, reconciled to God through Christ.  Fight against sin, love God, love others.

Prayer: Daddy, thank You for judgement, for the cross, and restoration.  Amen.

SOAP December 12, 2014

Scripture: For, because you trusted in your works and your treasures, you also shall be taken; and Chemosh shall go into exile with his priests and his officials. (Jeremiah 48:7 ESV)

Observation: Self reliance can be arrogance in the sight of God.

Application: Apart from God, we are a desperate, hopeless people.  Remember this in times of plenty and times of famine, for our trust must be in The Lord during both.

Prayer: Daddy, thank You for being bigger than we can imagine and able to more than we can fathom. May our trust always be in You.  Amen.

SOAP December 10, 2014

Scripture: The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the Philistines, before Pharaoh struck down Gaza. (Jeremiah 47:1 ESV)

Observation: God sends His word to tell us what to expect so we know He is in control.

Application: Because God is in control, the only fear we should have is being on the wrong side of His judgement.  By choosing God, salvation through faith by grace, following Christ, and being repentant, we have no reason to fear.

Prayer: Daddy, sometimes fear is crippling.  It robs us of sleep, sharing our talents, showing love, building strong relationships, and in so many other ways.  You are always there, in control and speaking life into our lives.  Let the fears go away and be replaced by the awesomeness of You.  Amen

SOAP December 7, 2014

Scripture: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the Lord, for I am with you. I will make a full end of all the nations to which I have driven you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished.” (Jeremiah 46:28 ESV)

Observation: God disciplines His children.

Application: The forgiveness of sin does not preclude earthly consequences.  Make wise choices.

Prayer: Daddy, teach us to desire You above all and be thankful that You love us so much that You do discipline us.  Amen.

SOAP December 6, 2014

Scripture:Thus shall you say to him, Thus says the Lord: Behold, what I have built I am breaking down, and what I have planted I am plucking up—that is, the whole land. And do you seek great things for yourself? Seek them not, for behold, I am bringing disaster upon all flesh, declares the Lord. But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go.” (Jeremiah 45:4-5 ESV)

Observation: our lives are not for our glory.

Application: If ones actions are driven by self glorification, it is folly.  It eats away like moth and rust.  One must seek God first...and this cannot be accomplished by our own strength.

Prayer: Daddy, give us the constant, ever present desire to seek Your kingdom first.  Let us not seek to glorify ourselves, and may You alone be glorified.

SOAP December 5, 2014

Scripture: Yet I persistently sent to you all my servants the prophets, saying, ‘Oh, do not do this abomination that I hate!’ But they did not listen or incline their ear, to turn from their evil and make no offerings to other gods. (Jeremiah 44:4-5 ESV)

Observation: God pursues us, shows us the way, and yet we stumble on.

Application: It doesn't matter what we want, it matters that we want what He wants.  Until those 2 things are the same, there remains discord and struggle.

Prayer: Daddy, give me the stregnth, wisdom, talent, and ability to honor You.  Amen!

SOAP December 4, 2014

Scripture: This shall be the sign to you, declares the Lord, that I will punish you in this place, in order that you may know that my words will surely stand against you for harm: (Jeremiah 44:29 ESV)

Observation: God is just, there is real reward and real punishment.

Application: We ought to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord and not tempt His anger and seek punishment.

Prayer: Daddy, teach our hearts to desire to please You.  Not that we are holy, but because You are holy and have called us to be one with You.  Amen.

SOAP December 2, 2014

Scripture: The Lord has said to you, O remnant of Judah, ‘Do not go to Egypt.’ Know for a certainty that I have warned you this day that you have gone astray at the cost of your lives. For you sent me to the Lord your God, saying, ‘Pray for us to the Lord our God, and whatever the Lord our God says declare to us and we will do it.’ And I have this day declared it to you, but you have not obeyed the voice of the Lord your God in anything that he sent me to tell you. Now therefore know for a certainty that you shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence in the place where you desire to go to live.” (Jeremiah 42:19-22 ESV)

Observation: when men do not like the things of God, when God's way is not convenient to man's desire, it is dismissed as lies from the person who spoke it.  It is not a judgement against the person, it is a rejection of a God.

Application: Seek to hear and do, not hear and dismiss as lies.

Prayer: Daddy, this world is a treacherous place and we can not overcome it without You.  Give us discernment, give us hearts that long for people, and make us blind to preferences of any kind, for ALL have sinned and need You.  Give us the words to speak and the people to speak them to.  Amen.

SOAP December 1, 2014

Scripture:Azariah the son of Hoshaiah and Johanan the son of Kareah and all the insolent men said to Jeremiah, “You are telling a lie. The Lord our God did not send you to say, ‘Do not go to Egypt to live there,’ (Jeremiah 43:2 ESV)

Observation: people deny the truth when it is against their own desire.

Application: speak even louder, more vehemently with others about the gospel.

Prayer: Daddy, may we be vessels for Your word, obedient to Your calling.  Amen.

SOAP November 30, 2014

Scripture: The Lord has said to you, O remnant of Judah, ‘Do not go to Egypt.’ Know for a certainty that I have warned you this day that you have gone astray at the cost of your lives. For you sent me to the Lord your God, saying, ‘Pray for us to the Lord our God, and whatever the Lord our God says declare to us and we will do it.’ And I have this day declared it to you, but you have not obeyed the voice of the Lord your God in anything that he sent me to tell you. Now therefore know for a certainty that you shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence in the place where you desire to go to live.” (Jeremiah 42:19-22 ESV)

Observation: choices come with consequences.

Application: Obey The Lord, do not seek His council if it will be ignored.

Prayer: Daddy, help me trust in You and not lean on my own understanding.  Amen.

SOAP November 28, 2014

Scripture: Ishmael also struck down all the Judeans who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, and the Chaldean soldiers who happened to be there. (Jeremiah 41:3 ESV)

Observation: there was no partiality in the se slayings.

Application: the heart of men are self serving and wicked...only God can change us.

Prayer: Daddy, thank You for loving me, even though I am broken.  You mend broken things and use them to glorify You.  Mend me Lord.  Amen.

SOAP November 25, 2014

Scripture: The Lord has brought it about, and has done as he said. Because you sinned against the Lord and did not obey his voice, this thing has come upon you. (Jeremiah 40:3 ESV)

Observation: When outsiders, non-believers, or even enemies are able to see the offenses against God being done by the "believers", this is a giant red flag that things are broken!

Application: I'm not normally one to care about what others think, yet for tonight's exercise, let us set that mindset aside.  What would be the judgement of non-believers on your faith?  I know it's a tough question.  Ponder that answer, realize that only God can bring about lasting change, and then seek guidance from Him.  That is way over simplified, yet at the same time, the hardest things in life are sometimes the most basic.  Simply put, we can't, He can, we just need to get ourself out of the way.

Prayer: Daddy, I struggle with anger, with perfectionism, with expecting others to know and care about exactly what I want and to execute in a way that makes sense to me.  I struggle in many areas.  Reveal to me what is most hurtful to people's view of You because of me...no matter how painful...and change me as only You can.  Amen.

SOAP November 24, 2014

Scripture: But I will deliver you on that day, declares the Lord, and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid. For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have put your trust in me, declares the Lord.’” (Jeremiah 39:17-18 ESV)

Observation: The arrogance and disobedience of of God's people led to judgement, yet also resulted in mercy.  Their lives were the prize of war, given back due to trusting in The Lord.

Application: God is just in His judgement and faithful in His mercy.  In matters of obedience, sometimes we choose the stick instead of the carrot...eventually, we learn how to obey with neither, for God's plan is far better than our own.

Prayer: Daddy, bring us through the trials of this present age.  Teach us to obey You because we trust You more than ourselves.  Amen.

SOAP November 23, 2014

Scripture: Then King Zedekiah swore secretly to Jeremiah, “As the Lord lives, who made our souls, I will not put you to death or deliver you into the hand of these men who seek your life.” (Jeremiah 38:16 ESV)

Observation: People will seek answers from those who have a relationship with The Lord.

Application: Sometimes we must simply speak the words that The Lord has given us.  It is an act of obedience and not a task that is easy.

Prayer: Daddy, give us words to speak to those who don't know how to seek You.  Give us hearts to search and talk to those who have turned their back on You.  Let Your glory shine forth from Your church, for Your glory alone.  Amen.

SOAP November 21, 2014

Scripture: When he was at the Benjamin Gate, a sentry there named Irijah the son of Shelemiah, son of Hananiah, seized Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “You are deserting to the Chaldeans.” (Jeremiah 37:13 ESV)

Observation: Sometimes our actions are called into question, appearing to have ill motives.

Application: Our actions, if in obedience to Christ, will come into question by others.  Lies will be said, false motives will be attached, and on and on.  We must persevere through those times, knowing that God is bigger than all of that.  He has overcome.

Prayer: Daddy, thank You for being such a huge God and at the same time fitting into the space that is us.  Amen.

SOAP 11/18/2014

Scripture:It may be that their plea for mercy will come before the Lord, and that every one will turn from his evil way, for great is the anger and wrath that the Lord has pronounced against this people.” (Jeremiah 36:7 ESV)

Observation: Jeremiah was quite optimistic at times.

Application:  Think of God doing the best to avoid being discouraged,

Prayer: Daddy, let me believe in the best outcomes instead of dwelling on the negative ones.  Amen

SOAP November 18, 2014

Scripture: The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah: “Go to the house of the Rechabites and speak with them and bring them to the house of the Lord, into one of the chambers; then offer them wine to drink.” (Jeremiah 35:1-2 ESV)

Observation: Obedience brings about a willingness to serve God.

Application: Pray that the Lord would raise up a mighty generation that will erase all the "lies" of liberal leadership.  Amen 

SOAP November 17, 2014

Scripture: ‘At the end of seven years each of you must set free the fellow Hebrew who has been sold to you and has served you six years; you must set him free from your service.’ But your fathers did not listen to me or incline their ears to me. (Jeremiah 34:14 ESV)

Observation: We must realize the mistakes of our fathers if we are going to improve upon the present.  

Application: We have and have always had an obedience problem. Mall the way back to the Garden of Eden, we do not listen or obey.  Through Christ, we can see things for what they are, and seek after Him instead of that which deceives and destroys.  

Prayer: Daddy, let us learn from past failures and follow after You, not giving up, but drawing closer to You.  Amen.

SOAP November 16, 2014

Scripture: I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me. (Jeremiah 33:8 ESV)

Observation: guilt and rebellion are calling cards of sin.  

Application: identify things that are rebellious against God or that bring about guilt, be aware of these things for that is where sin will seek to take root.

Prayer: Daddy, guide my steps and show me the path to walk.  The path that is not rebellious and has no guilt.  Amen.

SOAP November 15, 2014

Scripture: They have turned to me their back and not their face. And though I have taught them persistently, they have not listened to receive instruction. (Jeremiah 32:33 ESV)

Observation: such a great visual to provide understanding.  When we turn our back to God, we are denying His instruction.

Application: Keep our face turned to The Lord, seek His instruction, listen with intent.

Prayer: Daddy, this sounds so easy, yet it is hard.  Help me to keep my face towards You and to never turn my back to You.  Thank You for the cross, for mercy, and grace.  Amen.

SOAP November 14, 2014

Been absent the last few days, completely consumed by work.

Scripture: And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34 ESV)

Observation: Is there any greater assurance from God than words like "I will remember their sin no more".  Hallelujah!

Application: Guilt serves it's purpose to lead us to repentance.  The Father sent the Son to pay the price for out sin.  If He has forgotten our sin, we too should stop beating ourselves up about the past and move forward for His glory.

Prayer: Daddy, Thank You for choosing us, for seeing what could be instead of what was.  Deliver us from ourselves and reign over us.  Amen.

SOAP November 10, 2014

Scripture: “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you. For behold, days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will restore the fortunes of my people, Israel and Judah, says the Lord, and I will bring them back to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall take possession of it.” (Jeremiah 30:2-3 ESV)

Observation: God wanted this message written down, not merely spoken.

Application: Take time to write down the things that The Lord is showing you.  If nothing else, it may serve as a reminder of God moving in your life.

Prayer: Daddy, I am unworthy to even kneel before You, yet You have made it possible through Jesus.  Thank You for paying the debt that I could never pay.  Teach me Lord, show me the paths You would have me walk and incline my heart to obedience.  Amen.

SOAP November 9, 2014

Scripture: You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13 ESV)

Observation: God doesn't want a piece of our heart, He wants ALL of it.

Application: Seek Him with all that we are.  Approach the throne of grace with confidence and a deep longing in the heart.

Prayer: Daddy, thank You for finding me, for allowing me to be found in You.  May Your praise never leave my lips, may Your joy fill my heart (something I struggle with), let Your peace rest upon me now as I seek sleep.  Like a little child would ask, I ask that tonight's dreams would be good, and when I awaken tomorrow (if You see fit to grant me another day on this earth) let the air be thick with the aroma of Your presence.  Amen.

SOAP November 8, 2014

Scripture: As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the Lord has truly sent the prophet.” (Jeremiah 28:9 ESV)

Observation: a prophet whose prophecies do not come to pass is a false prophet.

Application: Test everything against scripture, how do things hold up to the nature of God?  God is very consistent, and in all things we must be diligent to seek His truth and not fall for false teachings that may look appealing yet leads to death.

Prayer: Daddy, give us discernment and expose false teachers for what they are.  Be with those who follow such teachers, that their eyes might be opened.  Amen.

SOAP November 7, 2014

Scripture: thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, concerning the vessels that are left in the house of the Lord, in the house of the king of Judah, and in Jerusalem: They shall be carried to Babylon and remain there until the day when I visit them, declares the Lord. Then I will bring them back and restore them to this place.” (Jeremiah 27:21-22 ESV)

Observation: there are times when we must endure, having faith that God will restore us on the other side of whatever difficult situation.  Timing is up to God.

Application: Learn to obey The Lord in all that he calls us to do...even if it seems like an eternity.

Prayer: Daddy, I can't always understand the storms of life when they come.  I pray that rather than taking away the storm, You would calm me in the midst of it, in Your perfect timing.  Amen.

SOAP November 6, 2014

Scripture: You shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord: If you will not listen to me, to walk in my law that I have set before you, and to listen to the words of my servants the prophets whom I send to you urgently, though you have not listened, (Jeremiah 26:4-5 ESV)

Observation: obedience is key to seeking after Christ.

Application: When you know what is right, do it!  

Prayer: Daddy, let us adore You this day.  Amen!

SOAP November 5, 2014

Scripture: You have neither listened nor inclined your ears to hear, although the Lord persistently sent to you all his servants the prophets, saying, ‘Turn now, every one of you, from his evil way and evil deeds, and dwell upon the land that the Lord has given to you and your fathers from of old and forever. Do not go after other gods to serve and worship them, or provoke me to anger with the work of your hands. Then I will do you no harm.’ Yet you have not listened to me, declares the Lord, that you might provoke me to anger with the work of your hands to your own harm. (Jeremiah 25:4-7 ESV)

Observation: "He is infinite and we are finite, there will always be more of His character to discover, more of His love to experience, and more of His power to use for His purpose" -Francis Chan-

I share this quote in conjunction with this passage because I feel they compliment each other nicely.  We must realize that there is always more of God to experience and seek after that.  We must not settle or become complacent.  

Application: Seek none other than God, there is always more of Him to know, learn about, and become intimate with.

Prayer: Daddy, the totality of Your holiness is incomprehensible for our mere human minds.  Let us seek after You, knowing that there is no limit to You.  Give us more of You, let us seek more of You.  Amen. 

SOAP November 4, 2014

Scripture: I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart. (Jeremiah 24:7 ESV)

Observation: All through out scripture we see God's continued pursuit of His people.  I love the Old Testament because it clearly shows that this was the case from the beginning.  When people say they don't like the God of the Old Testament because of all of the judgement and punishment, I see it differently...I see Him pursuing His people, giving them chances to succeed, all while looking out for their every need. 

Application: God pursues us not for a portion of us, but for our WHOLE heart.  We must let go of anything that stands in the way of this.

Prayer: Daddy, You are amazing.  Thank You that You pursue us, that You seek after our whole heart.  I pray that You would show us/me the things that are barriers that need to be removed.  Amen.

SOAP November 3, 2014

Scripture: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. (Jeremiah 23:5 ESV)

Observation: Jesus is the fulfillment of this!

Application: He paid the price for our sin, once and for all.

Prayer: Daddy, teach us to be obedient and to honor You above any human conflict.  Amen.

SOAP November 2, 2014

Scripture: Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place. (Jeremiah 22:3 ESV)

Observation: it sounds so easy...but none but Jesus could ever do it.

Application: Our actions should be focused on helping others, and motivated by God.

Prayer: Daddy, Your word is righteous, it is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.  Thank You for walking with us, and teach us to walk with others also...helping along the way.  Amen.

SOAP November 1, 2014

Scripture: For I have set my face against this city for harm and not for good, declares the Lord: it shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire.’ (Jeremiah 21:10 ESV)

Observation: God is not shy about sharing His plans.

Application: When The Lord speaks, it should not fall on deaf ears.  He speaks truth, life, judgement, mercy, grace, and love.  For all of these and more should we tune our ears to His word, that we may know His will.

Prayer: Daddy, whether day or night, light or dark, You alone hold the keys to life and death.  You rule over the heavenly places and the earth, and yet still know the number of hairs on our head.  You know when our breath is labored and when our stomachs are full.  You know us in our joy and in our sadness.  You know us better than we know ourselves...and You know that we are desperately in need of You, for we are a wicked hearted people.  Thank You for sending Jesus to pay the debt that we could never pay on our own.  Amen.

SOAP October 31, 2014

Scripture: If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot. (Jeremiah 20:9 ESV)

Observation: One cannot hold back to do that which God has called without effect.

Application: This passage screams one word to me "Passionate".  Passionate people doing passionate things because of a passionate God, who seeks after us passionately.  Choose to be passionate about God, pray to be passionate about doing His work.

Prayer: Daddy, You are ever present, seeing all things, and knowing all things.  Just as fire can start with a single spark, so can a people be set on fire for You with the uttering of a single word, a prayer, or a sharing of scripture.  Use us to make the spark, give us courage despite our fears,liberty in spite of our bondage, passion in spite of our apathy, and give us Your heart for Your people (including ourselves).   Amen.

SOAP October 30, 2014

Scripture: “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, behold, I am bringing upon this city and upon all its towns all the disaster that I have pronounced against it, because they have stiffened their neck, refusing to hear my words.” (Jeremiah 19:15 ESV)

Observation: God expects us to listen and not stubborn.

Application: Just as we teach our own children, obey the first time.

Prayer: Daddy, I just need You tonight.  Amen.

SOAP October 29, 2014

Scripture: Now, therefore, say to the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: ‘Thus says the Lord, Behold, I am shaping disaster against you and devising a plan against you. Return, every one from his evil way, and amend your ways and your deeds.’ “But they say, ‘That is in vain! We will follow our own plans, and will every one act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’ (Jeremiah 18:11-12 ESV)

Observation: When The Lord speaks, it is in our best interest to listen and obey.

Application: When driving down the road in your car and the "low fuel" light comes on, it requires that you take action or not be able to move the car any farther.  Our sin issue is similar, we can only be warned and continue on for so long before be incapacitated, unable to move forward in seeking God until our sin is dealt with (not speaking of salvation, but intimacy with God).

Prayer: Daddy, You know the dark recesses of my heart and my mind, the wickedness that lays dormant, yet can so easily be roused.  May You be glorified by the subduing and changing of such a heart, and molding it to Your desire.  Amen.

SOAP October 28, 2014

Scripture: Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:5-8 ESV)

Observation: trusting in ourselves is foolish, we should instead trust God.

Application: take it all to God.  ALL of it, sin,struggles...everything.

Prayer: Daddy, show us ourselves in Your eyes, help us see where we should change and not.  Amen.

SOAP October 27, 2014

Scripture: O Lord, my strength and my stronghold, my refuge in the day of trouble, to you shall the nations come from the ends of the earth and say: “Our fathers have inherited nothing but lies, worthless things in which there is no profit. Can man make for himself gods? Such are not gods!” “Therefore, behold, I will make them know, this once I will make them know my power and my might, and they shall know that my name is the Lord.” (Jeremiah 16:19-21 ESV)

Observation: We live in a day and age where God is an after thought, if even a thought at all for many.  Technology, Success, money, ego, pride, self reliance, and on an on goes the list of things we hold in higher esteem than The Lord.

Application: Man cannot make for himslef gods?  The answer is no, for these things are not gods at all, merely things that rust and moth destroy.  God has shown His power and His might, that HE is the LORD.  Jesus came and took the punishment for our sins because God is merciful, full of grace, and loving kindness.  He poured out His wrath upon His own Son, that through Him, we might have eternal life.  

Prayer: Daddy, I am a wretched, wicked man.  I speak evil when I should speak praise.  I stir decension when I ought to foster unity.  I foster anger and pride, when I should exemplify forgiveness and humility.  O that you would change me and make me like you.  I am undone, for I cannot do these things of my own strength.  Amen.

SOAP October 26, 2014

Scripture: Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. (Jeremiah 15:16 ESV)

Observation: The justice that God speaks in Jeremiah, to many, may feel harsh...yet it is what we all deserve.  Verse 16 stood out to me "your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name".  We can spend our whole lifetime trying to fill the void in our lives, mistaking physical happiness for spiritual joy, and physical pleasure with spiritual delight.  When this happens, we start pursuing all the wrong things.

Application: Consume God's word.  Find joy in it, delight in it, be called by His name.  Close your eyes for a moment and paint this picture: God is calling you...just you.  He wants to have a talk, and He wants it to be memorable.  He's our Dad, and like all Dad's, He has affectionate names for His children.  He calls us by that name, as He shares His words with us, and though we may not admit it, we are delighted to have that talk with Him, to have that time for just the 2 of us to speak.  There may be a toothy grin, some laughter, or there could be some tears.  He will dry our tears as we hide our face in His chest and He wraps His arms around us and whispers "I love you" and then calls you that nickname, you know the one, the special one that He has for You.  Open your eyes now.  God's word is intimate and personal, it draws us to Him.  He is joy, and delight.  There is nothing else that can fill that void, only God...seek it out, consume it.

Prayer: Daddy, You are the delight of my heart, my reason for having Joy.  Sometimes Joy must be fought for, yet never do we walk alone.  Thank You for our special times, and delighting in us also.  There is nothing that can fill us like You!  Amen.

SOAP October 25, 2014

Scripture: “Though our iniquities testify against us, act, O Lord, for your name’s sake; for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against you. O you hope of Israel, its savior in time of trouble, why should you be like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who turns aside to tarry for a night? Why should you be like a man confused, like a mighty warrior who cannot save? Yet you, O Lord, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name; do not leave us.” (Jeremiah 14:7-9 ESV)

Observation: God is always in the midst of us, whether He chooses to act or not.  Though he may choose not to wield His mighty sword, He is still a mighty warrior.

Application: God is "in the midst of us".  He is not far away, He is close.  In that I take great comfort.  The human heart is desperately wicked, and it has been my prayer for these last few months that God would show me my own wickedness, to show me the things that I need to let go of.  It hasn't been easy, there have been tough conversations, tears, dealing with unpleasant emotions, and probably hardest of all...giving up control...yet it is not I who is able to do these things, but Christ in me.

Prayer:Daddy, Your name is higher and greater than any other.  You are so worthy of praise and so gracious to love us.  Tonight I lift up my brothers and sisters in Christ who I have wronged and thank You that You are a God of restoration. Thank You for being in the midst of us.  Keep changing my heart God, keep changing lives, and let all glory be Yours alone.  Amen.

SOAP October 24, 2014

Scripture: This evil people, who refuse to hear my words, who stubbornly follow their own heart and have gone after other gods to serve them and worship them, shall be like this loincloth, which is good for nothing. For as the loincloth clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to me, declares the Lord, that they might be for me a people, a name, a praise, and a glory, but they would not listen. (Jeremiah 13:10-11 ESV)

Observation: God desires us, He pursues us, yet so often we turn a blind eye, a deaf ear, or a cold shoulder.  We are tempted to choose pleasure and power over humility and grace.

Application: Be captured, stop running and be captured by the pursuer, God.  There is freedom in the captivity of Christ.  Though it may sound as madness, being captured by God is the beginning of freedom.

Prayer: Daddy, thank You for pursuing me, for pursuing us.  May we be captured by You and find Your freedom.  There are many walls to tear down, things I worry about.  Take it all God, for I am Yours.  Amen.

SOAP October 23, 2014

Scripture: Righteous are you, O Lord, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? (Jeremiah 12:1 ESV)

Observation: I can understand this question from Jeremiah!  I think we all have asked that question at one time or another.  I struggle a lot with self reliance, being task oriented, process focussed, and schedule driven.  This can make it difficult for me to experience that which God wants to teach me.

Application: Struggles are opportunities to learn where and how to improve.  Knowing I struggle with self reliance, I can focus on letting go and trusting in The Lord for things.  I can stop focusing so much on tasks and instead look for God's purpose.  I can stop focusing on a process (to do list, check list, etc.) and rely on God to know the things I need to do and their priority.  I can stop focusing on schedules, and instead let God dictate where and when He wants me to go places.  Notice, that all of these statements began with "I can".  The fact is, I can't...HE can through me.  Which brings me to tonight's prayer.

Prayer: Daddy, I am so humbled, happy, and honored to be able to call You that.  My world is so small, and yet my problems, tasks, challenges seem so huge in the view of the world.  You are bigger than all of these things combined.  I worry, when I should trust in Your might.  I celebrate myself, when instead I should give thanks to You.  I can't do anything apart from You!  I am hard headed and it takes a while for things to set in for me.  I need You to open my eyes, my heart, and my mind so they would desire You alone...Daddy I can't, but You can, for all things are possible with God.  Let me walk with You Lord, hear Your voice, discern where to go, what to say, how to say it, and give me the words.  Thank You for calling me Yours.  Amen.

SOAP October 22, 2014

Scripture: For your gods have become as many as your cities, O Judah, and as many as the streets of Jerusalem are the altars you have set up to shame, altars to make offerings to Baal. (Jeremiah 11:13 ESV)

Observation: very direct, and very true.  Where/what/who do be replace God with in our lives..that's a real soil searching question.

Application: God must be the main attraction, not some side show.  He deserves our full measure of devotion.

Prayer: Daddy, in Your grace and sovereignty, show us the altars that we have built up and must be torn down.  Let the world be the side show, and You be the star attraction.  Amen.

SOAP October 21, 2014

Scipture: I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. Correct me, O Lord, but in justice; not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing. (Jeremiah 10:23-24 ESV)

Observation: God's guidance leads the steps of believers.

Application: We are to seek God above all...and that is a tough order!  

Prayer: Daddy, teach us to know where we stand, what to do, and how to give glory and honor to You through our actions, attitudes, and sacrifice,  Amen!

SOAP October 20,2014

Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESV)

Observation: nothing else should make us happier than knowing God.

Application: look inwards, what are things that make me happier than Gog?  What can I do to change that?

Prayer: Daddy, show me the things in my life that are hindering me in my walk with You.  Things that I need to start doing, stop doing, etc.  Amen.

SOAP October 19, 2014

Scripture: When I would gather them, declares the Lord, there are no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree; even the leaves are withered, and what I gave them has passed away from them.” (Jeremiah 8:13 ESV)

Observation: When we produce no fruit, we are deceiving ourselves into thinking we are "ok".  

Application: We are all hopelessly lost, and salvation comes by grace alone through Christ Jesus by faith. 

Prayer: Daddy, show us the innermost parts of our hearts.  The vile places that we pretend do not exist.  Then give us the stregnth to turn it over to You. May we be a broken people, yearning for You alone.  

SOAP October 18, 2014

Scripture: But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’ But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward. From the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt to this day, I have persistently sent all my servants the prophets to them, day after day. Yet they did not listen to me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck. They did worse than their fathers. (Jeremiah 7:23-26 ESV)

Observation:  Tomorrow, we will head to church...will we listen and obey, or be deaf an d stiff necked.

Application:  we are made for His glory, NOT the other way around.  We must humble ourselves before The Lord.

Prayer: Daddy, I just You to know I'm listening and that I want You to use me however You choose.  Amen.

SOAP October 16, 2014

Scripture: O daughter of my people, put on sackcloth, and roll in ashes; make mourning as for an only son, most bitter lamentation, for suddenly the destroyer will come upon us. (Jeremiah 6:26 ESV)

Observation: sin must cause us to grieve.

Application: We must treat sin as the evil against God that it is, not merely a mistake we have made.

Prayer: Daddy, break our hearts over our own sin and let us turn to You.  Amen.

SOAP October 16, 2014

Scripture: But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; they have turned aside and gone away. (Jeremiah 5:23 ESV)

Obseravtion: it is we who move away from God.

Application: repent and seek forgiveness for our stubbornness and rebellious hearts.

Prayer: Daddy, teach us to follow after You, clearly, and deeply.

SOAP October 15, 2014

Scripture: Your ways and your deeds have brought this upon you. This is your doom, and it is bitter; it has reached your very heart.” (Jeremiah 4:18 ESV)

Observation: If we never repent, never turn to God, our doom is certain.

Application: Only God can change the heart, for it is desperately wicked.  Apart from the changing power of the Holy Spirit, we are doomed.

Prayer: Daddy, let us humble ourselves before You and others.  Let us take Your message to the world and may Your light shine in our lives.  Amen.

SOAP October 14, 2014

Scripture: Let us lie down in our shame, and let our dishonor cover us. For we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even to this day, and we have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God.” (Jeremiah 3:25 ESV)

Observation: sin is not to be taken lightly by us as It is vile and detestable to God.

Application: Confess and repent.  We cannot be perfect, yet our faith in Christ yields obedience that produces righteousness through faith by grace.

Prayer:  Daddy, I confess that my own sin is a big deal, bigger than I can bare.  Thank You for taking that burden from me.  May my life be an arrow pointing others toYou because of the great mercy You have shown me.  Amen.

SOAP October 13, 2014

Scripture: In vain have I struck your children; they took no correction; your own sword devoured your prophets like a ravening lion. (Jeremiah 2:30 ESV)p

Observation: sometimes we are blinded by our own sinfulness.

Application: Our own actions bring about ruin. We must instead, seek after God, repent, and listen to where He would have us go and what He would have us do.

Prayer: Daddy, show us Your best and place our desire there.  Amen.

October 12,2014

Scripture: They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you.” (Jeremiah 1:19 ESV)

Observation: resistance is to be expected.

Application: God wins the victory, and we get to be a part of that.  He never leaves us.

Prayer: Daddy, let us remember that You are always right here, to talk to, to worship, and to grant Your mercy.  Thank You God for all that You are.  Amen!

SOAP October 11, 2014

Scripture: As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. (Genesis 50:20 ESV)

Observation: Understanding often comes after the fact.

Application: Question not the ways of The Lord.

Prayer: Daddy, who are we that You are mindful of us? May we be Your clay, molded to whatever You desire of us.

SOAP October 8, 2014

Scripture: “Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion’s cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Binding his foal to the vine and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wine and his vesture in the blood of grapes. His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk. (Genesis 49:8-12 ESV)

Observation: The lineage of Jesus goes back to Judah, who swore to protect his brother with his own life.

Application: Obedience to God and loving others above ourself are characteristics that all Christ followers are to be known by.  How do I/we measure up? I encourage you to read the rest of Genesis 49 and see what Israel had to say about each of his sons and see whom you identify with most...very convicting and a great direction to point my/your prayer life.

Daddy: You Lord are high above all the earth and Your praises ring from the depths of the oceans to the highest mountain peeks, to the outer most parts of the universe and beyond our understanding.  In the midst of Your greatness, You have chosen to delight in us, to be mindful of us, to call us Yours, though I/we are unworthy.  Humble our prideful hearts, let us value mercy above judgement, forgiveness above condemnation, and You above everything understood and not understood.  Change us for Your glory.  Amen!

SOAP October 7, 2014

Scripture: And he blessed Joseph and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” (Genesis 48:15-16 ESV)

Observation: Prayer begins with glorifying God for who He is.

Application: I need to spend more time glorifying and identifying God, than making requests.

Prayer: Daddy, You are more than I can express or understand...I am in awe!  Amen.

SOAP October 6, 2014

Scripture: Then Joseph settled his father and his brothers and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. (Genesis 47:11 ESV)

Observation: God knew the events necessary to get to this point and out them in motion many years before.

Application: It is not for us to question the ways of God, yet rather praise Him in all things.

Prayer: Lord Your greatness is more than we can comprehend, and yet You are mindful of us.  May Your praise ever be on our lips, during times of harvest and times of famine.  Amen!

SOAP October 4, 2014

Scripture: Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.” (Genesis 46:3-4 ESV)

Observation: God understands our fears and walks right beside us.

Application: God is never far from us, trust in Him to see things through.

Prayer: Daddy, help us trust in You in the midst of turmoil and triumph.  Amen!

SOAP October 3, 2014

Scripture: Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the boy as a servant to my lord, and let the boy go back with his brothers. (Genesis 44:33 ESV)

Observation: laying ones life down for another is a biblical concept, not one created in Hollywood.

Application: what are we willing to endure for the sake if others?  What does it say about our faith?

Prayer: Daddy, teach our hearts to follow after Your desires, to yearn for righteousness.  Amen!

SOAP October 1, 2014

Scripture: May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, and may he send back your other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.” (Genesis 43:14 ESV)

Observation: We must trust God with the outcome.

Application: This life will often require great sacrifice, sometimes actual and sometimes perceived or feared.  No matter, we must trust that God is good and resolve to praise Him regardless of outcome.

Prayer: Daddy, teach us to love and trust You so much, that nothing could ever shake our faith in You.  Amen.

SOAP September 30, 2014

Scripture: So ten of Joseph’s brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt. But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, with his brothers, for he feared that harm might happen to him. (Genesis 42:3-4 ESV)

Observation: the foresight of Jacob not sending Benjamin, set the stage for God's plan to be put in motion.

Application: Often life circumstances are confusing in the midst of them, yet after the fact, they are incredibly poignant.  Seek truth in the situation, looking forward, backward, upward, and inward.

Prayer: Daddy, teach us to know Your ways and to desire Your ways above our own.  Amen!

SOAP September 29, 2014

Scripture: Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” (Genesis 41:16 ESV)

Observation: our gifts are from The Lord and are mean to glorify Him.

Application: whatever gifts/talents we have been given, we are to credit them to God.

Prayer: Daddy, I pray that selfish ambition would be cut down and replaced by a humble spirit that points to You.  Amen.

SOAP September 28, 2014

Scripture: Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him. (Genesis 40:23 ESV)

Observation: When we do good, it is not for men to recall, but for God to receive glory.

Application: We must do what we are called to do regardless of recognition/spite or otherwise.

Prayer: Daddy, Your ways are not man's ways and often times we are unable to see Your grand design.  Teach us to trust You for every step of the way.  Amen!

SOAP September 27, 2014

Scripture: The keeper of the prison paid no attention to anything that was in Joseph’s charge, because the Lord was with him. And whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed. (Genesis 39:23 ESV)

Observation: Regardless of our circumstance, God determines the outcome.

Application: Trust The Lord to deliver outcomes.

Prayer: Daddy, let me not rely on myself, but rather trust in You.  Amen.

SOAP September 24,2014

Scripture: They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer. (Genesis 37:19 ESV)

Observation: Joseph's brothers allowed the seed of jealousy to grow in their hearts, until it bloomed to the point of plotting his death.

Application: We may not understand why God has gifted some in one way and others in another.  Sometimes the portion may seem uneven.  When we find ourselves comparing ourself to others, we must guard our heart, lest sin take root and lead to pain and destruction.  

Prayer:  Daddy, guard our hearts by writing Your words upon them.  Let us earnestly seek to make our desires your desires by surrendering to Your will.  Amen.

SOAP September 23, 2014

Scripture: So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you and purify yourselves and change your garments. Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” (Genesis 35:2-3 ESV)

Observation: Foreign gods are no gods at all.  God (big G) "who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone." Is the true God.

Application: Let nothing come between ourself and God.  It's a constant struggle, and has been since the beginning.  God knows we will stumble and fall (Jesus paid the price on the cross because we could not) yet He is cheering us on when we take steps in faith.  

Prayer: Daddy, let us be quick to learn to put You first, give us the stregnth and desire to do so.  Amen.

SOAP September 22, 2014

Scripture: Will not their livestock, their property and all their beasts be ours? Only let us agree with them, and they will dwell with us.” (Genesis 34:23 ESV)

Observation: Hamor and Shechem convinced the men to be circumcised by planting seeds of desire.  Their intentions were not pure.

Application: Words are empty, actions speak volumes.

Prayer: Daddy, let our actions align with Your word, that others would call upon Your name.  Amen. 

SOAP September 21, 2014

Scripture: But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are frail, and that the nursing flocks and herds are a care to me. If they are driven hard for one day, all the flocks will die. Let my lord pass on ahead of his servant, and I will lead on slowly, at the pace of the livestock that are ahead of me and at the pace of the children, until I come to my lord in Seir.” (Genesis 33:13-14 ESV)

Observation: Moving too quickly, puts much at risk.

Application: Sometimes, I think I have learned something, only to find out that I did not know near as much about it as I thought.  Slow down, and avoid putting things at risk because a quick fix is never as reliable as a long term solution.  When in doubt, revisit the basics, the foundation, the fundamentals.  T

Prayer: Daddy, thank You that You are everlasting and unchanging and that you are the compass by which we can steer our lives.  You are the great navigator of all eternity.  You put the stars in place, and know the depths of the oceans.  You know the number of breaths we will take, and the intentions of our hearts. Holy is Your name, forever and ever.  Amen.

SOAP September 20, 2014

Scripture: and you shall say, ‘Moreover, your servant Jacob is behind us.’” For he thought, “I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterward I shall see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.” (Genesis 32:20 ESV)

Observation: fear is a powerful motivator.

Application: Jacob feared his for his life and the lives of his family at the hands of Esau.  He sought to appease him, to manipulate the situation to his favor.  This is often our initial reaction to circumstances.  We look at things, become afraid, take action to see if we can "get out of it"...all of this is done AFTER we have asked God for His deliverance.  Sometimes we need to allow time for God to do His work.  It is far less costly, less stressful, and stregthens our faith.

Prayer:  Daddy, my mind is racing tonight, my spirit is restless, and I don't know why.  Give me faith to stand strong, and grace to endure.  Extinguish my tongue from the fire wickedness and may Your words be found in my mouth all the days of my life.  Amen.

SOAP September 19, 2014

Scripture: And Jacob saw that Laban did not regard him with favor as before. Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.” (Genesis 31:2-3 ESV)

Observation: Sometimes people will change their feelings towards us, even after much time.  The only thing that matters is how we are seen by God.

Application: Listen intently for God's instruction.  Worry not about what others may think, only think about the glory that the Father receives by our obedience.

Prayer: Daddy, teach us to hear Your voice clearly and to obey boldy, without question.  Amen.

Because He first loved us

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:18-19 ESV)

Have you ever been afraid?  I know that I have...many times in fact.  Growing up, my father was a policeman, I was afraid daily that he may never come home.  I've had friends who have committed suicide, friends who have died of illness, car accidents, and on and on...and to a degree, there is fear in my heart that this could happen to anyone close to me.  My flesh tells me to put up walls, to guard myself against the pain of loss by not developing the relationship to begin with.

I am so convicted by, and at the same time, encouraged by this passage from 1 John 4.  Specifically, "We love because he first loved us".  Think about that, let it really sink in.  Our ability to truly love is directly linked to all that God has done for us.  I admit to having much fear about loving others.  I fear being embarassed, letting others down, being a burden, being perceived as needy, etc.  I think I could fill pages with all of the things that I fear on just this one topic.  The problem with this is it is not scriptural!  "Whoever fears has not been perfected in love".  I deeply want and desire this. I have the capacity to love others (I do love others, just not as much as I feel called)).  

Bottom line, we can love because Jesus loved us...and that's a cool deal!  Let us embrace it, own it, learn it, and execute it.  Amen!

SOAP September 18, 2014

Scripture: Jacob said to him, “You yourself know how I have served you, and how your livestock has fared with me. For you had little before I came, and it has increased abundantly, and the Lord has blessed you wherever I turned. But now when shall I provide for my own household also?” (Genesis 30:29-30 ESV)

Observation: There comes a time where God shows His favor.

Application: Do well, work hard, seek nothing, and The Lord will provide.  Sometimes in richness, sometimes in suffiicience, none the less, He always provides.

Prayer: Daddy, let us not lose sight of who provides for us.  It is not the fields, the hunt, ourselves, or any  other means, it is You.  Amen!

Some days you're the windshield...somedays you're the bug

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? (Hebrews 12:7 ESV)

Have you ever heard the saying "some days you're the windshield, somedays you're the bug"?  This is so true (at least for me) in walking with Christ.  I can have times of great triumph and then days, weeks, or mere seconds later, be squashed flat...feeling like I'm out for the count.  Thankfully, our walk with Christ is not based on emotion! 

One area of my life that I know I must watch, is the idea of "self sufficiency".  The "I can handle it", "I've got this", or "I'm prepared" mentality is very prevelent in our society.  I confess, I'm a schedule planner...I even schedule time to think...we're talking almost OCD levels up in here.  When you "schedule free time"...that might be an indicator.  Through the years, God has opened up my heart and mind to the idea of being more flexible.  It hasn't always been easy, yet at the same time, because I know He loves me, I understand the heart behind the need for change.  God guides us down the path, sometimes with a gentle nudge and other times with a knock from the shephards hook.  The thing we must understand is that God loves us so much that we can never become the people he wants, unless we heed to His direction.  

Today may have been a tough day for some.  I know mine was particularly challenging.  I would encourage each of you reading this to know that God not only loves you, He genuinely cares about you.  He wants to have a relationship with you, and help you avoid pitfalls, finding His path before you get hurt or hung up on things.

If you are struggling or simply want more info about how to have a relationship with Christ, message me.  I promise we can have an open conversation free from judgement.  Worst case scenario, you meet me, best case scenario, you come to know Jesus and He turns your world upside down for His glory.  Either way, if you need someone to talk to...reach out, send me a message on FB, leave a comment, etc.  

Praying for all y'all!

SOAP September 17, 2014

Scripture: So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her. (Genesis 29:20 ESV)

Observation: When we truly love someone, time seems to go by almost as if it doesn't exist.  Just being near them calms us, stills us, brings us joy and contentment.  

Application: God desires a love relationship with us.  It is a relationship designed to last not just a lifetime, but all of eternity.  He is the author of life, of salvation, and all that is good.  Seek God above all.

Prayer: Daddy, thank You that You are good.  There are seasons in our lives that are challenging, sometimes even seemingly unbearable, yet in the midst of it all, You are God.  You are the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.  May I/we delight solely in You.  Teach me/us to Love you beyond anyone/thing, etc. Amen!

Cerebral

I know I left the "worship" series and I need to tie it up...but God has other plans.

In many ways, I feel like I need to start by saying "I'm sorry", yet at the same time I feel I need to say "Glory be to God!"  

Over the course of 3 days, I had 3 different groups/individuals (who do not know each other, but know me quite well) use the word "Cerebral" to describe my communication style.  One chose to add the word "elequent" and another said "why didn't you just say that?" after I explained what I meant.  This was quite stunning for me (that sole reason alone actually caused me to pause in posting the last few nights in contemplation).  First and foremost, I want people to understand that I DON'T HAVE IT ALL FIGURED OUT, AMEN!  I am not the devine conduit chosen by God to disseminate His message  throughout the world (though if I were told to sell all that I have and do so, I would...yes it would be hard, but NOTHING is more important to me than God!!!). 

The words I write are just that, words.  To some they may be "Cerebral" or elequent, to some inspiring, to some offensive.  My sole intent, is to share the word of Christ to all who will listen.  In speaking to a close friend recently, I was encouraged to avoid metaphors, similies, & poetry to illustrate the points.  All of these are useful literary items that I feel can help the reader to relate, yet I can also understand that it could cause others to stumble or struggle with what I am trying to say and that is not my intention.  

Let me put it this way (this will not be elequent, but quite blunt, to the point, and bit raw...sorry).  I am going to speak in the first person (using "I" instead of "they" or "them", etc.) to own this, so no one else feels that I am putting this upon them.  

I believe that as believers, we do not need to hide behind hidden context.  We do not need to pretend that things are "OK" when they are not!  Truth is important!  It's not simply "I'm struggling right now" as a prayer request, it's "I am angry all the time and I don't know why." or "I feel guilty about my wife's mental state", or "I really need help financially and don't know how to ask", or "I blame myself for everything that has gone wrong in my life", or "I've done so much wrong that I feel like God doesn't hear my prayers anymore".  The most messeed up people in all of scripture is who God chose to use to glorify Himself.  No matter the circumstance, God remains in control.  

I will admit that I am "Cerebral", I overthink many things.  I try and plan a scenaario and situation for everything.  If we are playing chess, I'm trying to plan a minimum of 3 moves ahead.  To many people, this could be considered a compliment.  To me, it simply means that I need to learn to rely less on my brain and more upon God.  While I'm out there confessing things, let me share one more.  God has blessed me with many talents.  That sounds like a great thing, yet I struggle with being grateful for it.  The reason why...I can do many things "OK" or sometimes "better than average", but I'm not "super" at it.  Yep, that's right, I'm a perfectionist and to not be able to execute things perfectly bothers me beyond any measure I can possibly put into words.  I always want to improve, I always want to do better, yet somehow, someway, I am unable.  I hear it echo in my head as if on repeat "to much whom is given, must is required".  Sometimes, I feel like this has become mission impossible.  Yet at the end of the day, I know that "I can do all things, through Christ who stregthens me".  I do not now, nor will I ever have all of the answers, but I pray continuosly that God would use my life to glorify Himself.  What an honor to serve the King of Kings.  Amen!  

P.S. I would love to have you share your own story about how God has used your weakness to glorify Himself.  Thank you for reading and may God protect you, teach you, and give you grace.  Amen!

SOAP September 16, 2014

Scripture: Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” (Genesis 28:15 ESV)

Observation: Wherever God says "go" we should go.  He is with us and can bring us back from anything.

Application: Fear is an illusion, it is simply an indicator of the need to have more faith.  When we feel afraid to do what God has called us to do, we must choose the path of faith, for that is the path that leads to glorifying God.

Prayer: Daddy, thank You for being a personal God and for caring about the smallest details of our lives.  You are bigger than our biggest problems and yet still care about our most microscopic needs.  You amaze me everyday.  I confess my own frustration and impatience, and I know that You are good. Amen!

SOAP September 15, 2014

Scripture: Isaac answered and said to Esau, “Behold, I have made him lord over you, and all his brothers I have given to him for servants, and with grain and wine I have sustained him. What then can I do for you, my son?” (Genesis 27:37 ESV)

Observation: Stick to the plan, even when it seems to be useless.

Application: we must do as God commands.  There are plenty of people who will ride around in this world , until they get bored and jump off in pursuit of something else.  

Prayer: Daddy, be real to us.  Change us and make us more like You.  Amen!

SOAP September 12, 2014

Scripture: When Abimelech went to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army, Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, seeing that you hate me and have sent me away from you?” (Genesis 26:26-27 ESV)

Observation: people change with time and information.

Application: let the past be in the past lest it became a barrier for the future.

Prayer: Daddy, let us always be open to change, not hardening our hearts, rather stregthen them through love and forgiveness.  Amen.

SOAP September 11, 2014

Scripture: Abraham gave all he had to Isaac. (Genesis 25:5 ESV)

Observation: Isaac was the son God promised Abraham, and Abraham honored him by giving him everything.

Application: Just as Isaac was God's promised son to Abraham, whom he left everything to, so too is Christ the promised savior.  God granted everything to Jesus.  He overcame sin and death, thereby giving us all an opportunity to become sons and daughters of God.  

Prayer: Daddy, thank You for fulfilling Your promises...always!  Amen!

SOAP September 10, 2014

Scripture: And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master. (Genesis 24:14 KJV)

Observation: God answers not only prayer, but very specific prayer.

Application: Let us be specific in how we pray, it increases our faith and brings glory to the Father.  Who else could take credit for such a specific answer to prayer?  

Prayer: Daddy, help me to remember that You care about details, even down to the smallest things.  Thank You for that word, it moved my heart and I felt Your touch. Amen!

SOAP September 9, 2014

Scripture: And Sarah died at Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her. (Genesis 23:2 ESV)

Observation: it is a rare glimpse in scripture to see a husband mourning his wife.

Application: We weep because of the things that were and that might have been.  Never take a momment forgranted. For it could be the last.

Prayer: Daddy, teach us to cherish one another as You cherish us.  Teach us to love whole heartedly, purely, and without boundaries.  Amen.

SOAP September 8, 2014

Scripture: When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” (Genesis 22:9-12 ESV)

Observation: Sometimes it is the simple act of obedience that reveals the depth of our faith.

Application: things don't need to make sense, they just need to cause us to rely on faith in God.

Prayer: Daddy, I am in. Awe of Your grace.  Glorious, silent, awe.  Amen.

SOAP September 7, 2014

Scripture: And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. (Genesis 21:2 ESV)

Observation: it is foolishness not to trust God.

Application: If God says it, He will do it.  It may not happen when, where, or how we think it should, yet it will be brought to fruition.  We must wait upon The Lord.

Prayer: Daddy, I struggle to understand Your ways, though my heart knows You are good.  I try to schedule my life, and yet You continually remind me that You have already scheduled it for me.  You know when I rise and when I sleep.  You know the days of joy and sorrow, and You know, to the very momment, when I will take my last breath.  Though I do not know any of these things, let Your name forever be on my lips.  Let Your praise ever be on my tongue.  Let every breath of my life bring glory to You, and with my final breath let it be telling of Your greatness and love.  Amen.

SOAP September 6, 2014

Scripture: And Abimelech said, “Behold, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you.” (Genesis 20:15 ESV)

Observation: God spoke on behalf of Abraham to bring about understanding to foreigners whose land he was entering.

Application: We must trust The Lord, that He alone will make His way known.

Prayer: Daddy, make straight our paths that we may go wherever it is that You lead.  Amen.

SOAP September. 5, 2014

Scripture: Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And he said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.” Again he spoke to him and said, “Suppose forty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of forty I will not do it.” (Genesis 18:27-29 ESV)

Observation : God seeks to offer us mercy, yet deals justice and wrath when necessary.

Application: We have nothing good enough in ourselves.  Our only hope is in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins by grace through faith.

Prayer: Daddy, teach us of Your great grace, Your great love, and how You want us to have a relationship with You...even by paying the ultimate price in the cross.  Amen.

SOAP September 4, 2014

Scripture: And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. (Genesis 17:7 ESV)

Observation: God offers such a tremendous gift.

Application: God loves us and wants us to do well by Him.  We must trust that He knows what He is doing.

Prayer: Daddy, teach us to trust in You and nothing more than You.  Amen.

SOAP September 3, 2014

Scripture: And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes. (Genesis 16:4 KJV)

Observation: It is easy for us to make plans to "help" speed God's plans along. Instead, we show our disbelief, arrogance, and create future consequences that must be accounted for.

Application: it is always better to wait on God's perfect timing than to take matters into our own hands.

Prayer: Daddy, teach us not only patience, but to seek You in all matters...big and small.  Amen.

SOAP September 1& 2

Scripture: After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” (Genesis 15:1 ESV)

Scripture 2: And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” (Genesis 15:3 ESV)

Observation: God's promise, however clear, is often received by us with distrust or lack of understanding.

Application: with God, all things are possible.  There is no reason to doubt Him.

Prayer: Daddy, give us faith and trust even in the face of great adversity.  Amen.

SOAP August 31, 2014

Scripture: But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ (Genesis 14:22-23 ESV)

Observation: Abram was wise in seeing that the King of Sodom could be glorified if he took riches from him.

Application: We must seek God above all else, being wise in who can claim influence in our dealings, lest God be robbed of glory and another lay claim to it falslely.

Prayer: Daddy, grant us wisdom to see the schemes of the wicked and let us instead lift our hand to You.  Amen.

SOAP August 30, 2014

Scripture: Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.” (Genesis 13:8-9 ESV)

Observation: Abram's selflessness in allowing Lot to choose which land to take is a wonderful example of stewardship.

Application: Treat all things as Abram did, with impartiality and an open hand that says "whatever I have is yours".

Prayer: Daddy, thank You for continually teaching about giving and stewardship.  Amen.

SOAP August 29, 2014

Scripture: So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. (Genesis 12:4 ESV)

Observation: Abram went, without fuss, question, or revolt...he was obedient.

Application: Obeying God doesn't mean we have all of the answers, understand the purpose, or know where we are going.  It means trusting God completely, that whatever is in store for us or happens on the journey, it is by His hand.

Prayer: Daddy, help me comprehend faith like Abram, faith like Peter on the water, and lead me to that place of total trust.  The place where I trust You more than myself in every situation.  Amen.

SOAP August 28, 2014

Scripture: Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” (Genesis 11:4 ESV)

Observation: When we find ourselves saying things like "Let us build" it is indicative of a plan that has lost God as the focal point.

Application: We must not only seek The Lord in decisions, but ask and allow Him to participate in the work.

Prayer: Daddy, open our eyes, ears, and hearts to You, so that we would always know that it is Your work, and that we are honored to be included...not the other way around.

SOAP August 27, 2014

Scripture: These are the clans of the sons of Noah, according to their genealogies, in their nations, and from these the nations spread abroad on the earth after the flood. (Genesis 10:32 ESV)

Observation: God is laying out the history from Noah forth.

Application: this gives us roots, places and people to which our faith in God is traced.

Prayer: Daddy, I pray that one day soon, we would all see ourselves in the light of the glory of Your salvation.  Amen!

SOAP August 26, 2014

Scripture: I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. (Genesis 9:15 ESV)

Observation: The little things, like God "remembering" the covenant are so personal.

Application: God is personal, He is relational, He cares about having a relationship with us.  Like any relationship, it is a two way street, meaning that if we don't reciprocate, the relationship won't develop. Seek to spend time with God, developing the relationship.

Prayer: Daddy, help us be more relationship focused in our walk with You.  Let us purposefully spend time with You.  Amen.

SOAP August 25, 2014

Scripture:While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22 ESV)

Observation: God is into even the small details of our lives.

Application: The Lord knows what season we are in, and He knows what we need.  Trust in Him and He will see us through the storm.  He will see us through whatever we are facing.

Prayer:Daddy, let us be dependent upon You and not ourselves.  Amen. 

SOAP August 24, 2014

Scripture: And the waters prevailed on the earth 150 days. (Genesis 7:24 ESV)

Observation: Imagine how Noah must have felt, at this point.  He knew about the rain for 40 days and nights...how long these 150 days must have seemed.

Application: God's plan is just that, HIS plan.  We must not be caught off guard by "unexpected" delays, they are merely details, things along the path to continue to point us on the path to trusting in Him.

Prayer: Daddy, stretch our faith daily, and teach us to trust You above all else.  Amen!

SOAP August 23, 2014

Been sick the last couple days, sorry for missing.

Scripture: But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. (Genesis 6:18 ESV)

Observation: God is a personal God, He makes personal covenants with us.

Application: Just as God fulfilled His covenant with Noah, He fulfills the covenant of salvation for each of us through the blood of Jesus, offering salvation by grace through faith in Him.

Prayer: Daddy, let us know You in a very personal and real way.  Amen.

SOAP August 20, 2014

Scripture: When Lamech had lived 182 years, he fathered a son and called his name Noah, saying, “Out of the ground that the Lord has cursed, this one shall bring us relief from our work and from the painful toil of our hands.” (Genesis 5:28-29 ESV)

Observation: Based on the genealogy given, Adam and Noah were alive at the same time.

Application: We never know how God will use the people in our lives to impact the world.

Prayer: Daddy, let us never take forgranted Your sovereignty.  Amen.

SOAP August 19, 2014

Scripture: Then Cain went away from the presence of the Lord and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. (Genesis 4:16 ESV)

Observation: Just like Cain, none of us are in the presence of God unless we have have received Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.

Application: No man comes to the Father except through Christ.  Share this message, for it is a message for all to hear!

Prayer: Daddy, I pray that our most urgent mission would be to tell others about You and that nothing would stand in our way.  Amen!

SOAP August 18, 2014

Scripture: And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. (Genesis 3:8 ESV)

Observation: Adam and Eve's response to hearing God walking in the garden was one of fear, guilt, shame, and conviction.

Application: Nothing is able to be hidden from God.  Let us rather approach Him in faith by grace, trusting in Jesus and Hs perfect sacrifice for us.

Prayer: Daddy, teach us to not get hung up on who we were, but rather know who we are in You.  Amen!

Drano

Have you ever had a really bad clogged pipe?  Let me tell you from first hand experience, this is NOT a pleasant experience!  My beautiful bride recently had a birthday and I decided to make her a special meal around her birthday...pasta from scratch.  I love cooking, I make a lot of things from scratch and I had high expectations of the success of the dish.  I do not own a pasta machine, and I had never made pasta from scratch before, but I had every confidence that things would turn out fine (based on prior culinary successes).  I worked the dough until it was just right, rolled it out to the proper thickness (Definitely need to buy a pasta machine!) and carefully cut the noodles.  I  boiled some salted water and cooked the noodles to perfection.  I tasted a noodle and it was like velvet, silky, salty...perfection.  I was SO excited to finish it up.  I pulled the pot from the stove and went to drain it the pasta over the sink...but the lid on my pasta pot was not fastened correctly...and ALL of my beutiful homemade pasta fell straight into the sink and down into the garbage disposal.  My heart sank...let's just say that we had take out that night...Fast forward a few hours, I was doing dishes before bed and the sink started backing up on both sides...a clog (can you say Hello Pasta!).  This was not how I had planned on spending my evening...I fought with the clog with vinegar, baking soda, chemicals, etc. until after 2AM...then I decided to just let things sit and let the "Drano" do it's job.  The next morning, the water had draineed, but the drain was still VERY slow to drain.  After a few YouTube searches, I plunged the drain, used some boiling water, got it clear, and then one final chemical treatment and things were good.  Why am I telling you all of this?  God works in a very similar fashion with His word.  Check out tonight's passage:

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13 ESV)"

We may not see the "clog" in our own lives, but it starts to back up into everything that we have going on.  We start to experience problems and often times we try everything in our power to solve things to no avail.  Sometimes the answer is simply reading, applying, and trusting in God's word.  When we do this faithfully, and allow it to properly sink in, the "clogs" in our life clear up.  It's not magicial, it is simply us coming to the realization that God knows best and that His plan is how things were designed to work.  His word is good, honest, and true.  It guides and directs our hearts to seek after Him.  If you find  yourself at a "Clog" in your life, seek answers from God, read His word, Pray, seek wise counsel from other believers.  This is not a "prosperity" gospel message, this is a "How I deal with life" message.  Get in the word, Get on your knees, and Get with wise counsel...it just may unclog your life...AMEN!

SOAP August 17, 2014

First, let me appologize for not posting over the last couple of days (see the tonight's topical post).  Now, on with tonight's SOAP post.

Scripture: The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. (Genesis 2:20 ESV)

Observation: Adam did not realize his need for a "helper", that is why God had Him name all of the animals, this made it obvious to Adam that he was alone and thereby creating a need.

Application: A cure is solution is useless without a problem.  We must identify the need before seeking the fulfillment of it.  Just as Eve was the fulfillment of Adam's need, so is Christ the fulfillment of our need for atonemennt.  He is the ultimate sacrifice and gave himself for us so that we may be saved by grace through faith in Him.

Prayer: Daddy, You know what we need  before we do.  Thank You for helping us identify our own needs and then fulfilling our needs.  Amen!

SOAP August 14, 2014

Scripture:In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2 ESV)

Observation: God has always been, since before the beginning of Earth.

Application: God is not subject to the rules of the Earth (gravity, time, etc.) for He made them.  We must belive that He is bigger than the created, for He alone is the creator.

Prayer: Daddy, in the blink of an eye you can turn chaos to order, insanity to sanity, hurt to joy, and sorrow to dancing.  May we ever praise Your name, no matter our circumstances.  Amen.

SOAP August 13,2014

Scripture: Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me! Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me. (Psalm 142:6-7 ESV)

Observation: my persecutor is myself, my prison is my own thoughts...this is how I feel tonight.

Application: Christ alone has the power to set me free, to deliver me, to surround me with the righteous.  Lord give me steadfastness and stregnth to see Your mighty work...I need You!

Prayer: Daddy, there is so much I am weeping and struggling with.  I need Your mighty hand, I need You to fight for joy for me, for I am growing weak with every breath, gasping for air...deliver me!

SOAP August 12, 2014

Scripture: Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. (James 5:16-18 ESV)

Observation: Prayer is powerful.

Application: One can read all the scripture in the world, yet if one's prayer life is poor or non-existent, it is a tell tale sign of an immature relationship with God.  Pray often, pray unceasingly, pray, pray, pray,...

Prayer: Daddy, let us be a people who prays continually, not grumbling, but bringing our requests humbly before You.  Give us a great desire to pray.  Amen.

SOAP August 11, 2014

Scripture: What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. (James 4:1-10 ESV)

Observation: There are choices made by others all around us that impact is, just as our choices impact them.  The motives behind action make all the difference.

Application: Make certain that our actions are pointing towards Christ and that there can be no confusion between what we say and what we do.

Prayer: Daddy, be with Your people who are hurting here and across the world.  Give them stregnth and let us partner with them in prayer and any means that we can.  Come Lord Jesus...Amen!

SOAP August 10, 2014

Scripture: But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. (James 3:14-16 ESV)

Observation: True satisfaction comes from Christ alone, everything else is deception.

Application: Elevate Christ, not self.

Prayer: Daddy, keep us from falling into the trap of self reliance, gratification, and self seeking.  Let our lives be fully about You, not just in word, but in every action, and thought.  Amen.

SOAP August 9, 2014

Scripture: You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! (James 2:19 ESV)

Observation: Belief and trust are two different things.

Application: Trust in Jesus as Saviour by faith, believing that He is the Son of God is not enough.  Put your faith and trust in Him alone.

Prayer: Daddy, transform our hearts and minds to understand the path of righteousness. Lead us to walk with You and keep us from straying from Your path.  Amen.

SOAP August 8, 2014

Scripture: Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21 ESV)

Observation: Receive with meekness.  Again, it's a heart issue.

Application: The attitude in which we receive the word of God has a direct impact on how/ if we apply it.

Prayer: Daddy, let us be doers and not just hearers.  Let us be changed from the inside out.  Amen.

SOAP August 7, 2014

Scripture: Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:1-2 ESV)

Observation: the demonstration of love towards others is critical.

Application: Greet everyone with open arms and without condemnation.

Prayer: Daddy, teach us to be as You call us to be.  Amen!

SOAP August 6, 2014

Scripture: Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. (Hebrews 12:12-13 ESV)

Observation: We must identify our weaknesses and strengthen them in Christ.

Application: Look inward and upward, for that is how what is lame will be healed.

Prayer: Daddy, show us the thing in our lives that are lame, things that You have gifted us with, yet we are not using for Your glory.  Show us these things, strengthen us in them and teach us to harness them for Your glory.  Amen.

SOAP August 5, 2014

Scripture: But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:16 ESV)

Observation: The reward is not to be had in this life, but in eternity.

Application: Strive not for Earthly gain, rather strive towards rewards in Heaven.

Prayer: Daddy, let us focus on, dwell on, and seek the Heavenly rewards that You prepare for us.  Amen.