SOAP March 31, 2014

Scripture:  If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. (Mark 3:24 ESV)

Observation:  the importance and power of unity are paramount.

Application:  Focus on things that build unity, not things that stir up division.

Prayer:  Daddy, help me find and focus on unifying themes in all that I do.

His favor is for a lifetime

For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. (Psalm 30:5 ESV)

A lifetime is made up of so many moments...why choose to dwell on the negative ones?  God's favor is upon us, even in momentary affliction, we must never cease to believe this.

SOAP March 30, 2014

Scripture:  And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17 ESV)

Observation:  Jesus spent His time with those whom society had cast aside in judgement.

Application:  There are none exempt from the gospel of Christ (unless they grieve the Holy Spirit).  Christ came for everyone, and that is such good news!  Shout it from the rooftops!

Prayer:  Daddy, teach me to share Your good news daily.  Train my heart and ear to recognize the opportunity and then fill my mouth with the words to speak.  Amen.

SOAP March 29, 2014

Scripture:  And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. (Mark 1:35 ESV)

Observation: Jesus spent time alone with the Father in prayer.

Application:  We too, need to spend time alone with God in prayer, away from distractions and temptations.

Prayer:  Daddy, make my desire for time with You above all others.  Amen.

Draw close

I say: Keep the king’s command, because of God’s oath to him. Be not hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases. (Ecclesiastes 8:2, 3 ESV)

God wants us to stand with Him and for Him, not against Him.  He wants us to draw close to Him and stay there.

SOAP March 28, 2014

Scripture:  But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. (Matthew 28:5 ESV)

Observation: Fear is natural and almost every encounter in the Bible with an angel begins with "do not be afraid..."

Application: We need not fear when we are seeing after Christ.

Prayer: Daddy, give us a spirit of peace and boldness, for You have overcome the world.  Amen.

In awe

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? (Psalm 8:3, 4 ESV)

I look at myself, the world we live in and often wonder why God felt the need to pay such a costly price for us.  Especially, since so many people turn their back on Him.  In thinking that, it paints a poignant picture of what unconditional love looks like...then I understand, as a father, as a son, as a parent, as a sibling, as a spouse, and as a friend...in awe of His love tonight and how it transforms me/us!

SOAP March 27, 2014

Scripture:  And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. (Matthew 27:51 ESV)

Observation: When Christ died on the cross, the curtain in the temple was torn in two.  This meant that there was no more separation from the courtyard and the holy of holys and that even common people now had access to be in the presence of God.

Application: We have access before His majestic throne, because of Jesus.  Let us all the more glorify Him and give thanks!

Prayer: Daddy, bring glory to Yourself through me.  You are the potter and I the clay...mold me.  Amen!

Limitless

But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; (Jude 1:20-22 ESV)

I'm not superman, I'm just a regular guy trying to figure it out, seeking after God, and pointing people to Him.  When I read the words "have mercy on those who doubt", my heart hurts for those who do doubt.  In light of some great conversations lately, that has become somewhat of a mission, to eliminate doubt.  With God, life is limitless...nothing is bigger than Him.

SOAP March 26, 2014

Scripture:  And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:75 ESV)

Observation: Peter had no intention of denying Jesus when it was stated earlier in the chapter, yet when the stakes were higher and the game changed, he gave in...and he recognized it.

Application: Trust in God alone, for only He knows our past, present, and future.

Prayer: Daddy, teach me to listen for and obey Your voice.  Amen.

SOAP March 25, 2014

Scripture:  And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ (Matthew 25:40 ESV)

Observation: the way we treat one another is important to God.

Application: treat others how you would treat Jesus.

Prayer:  Daddy, I need Your help to be better at this, not trading kindness for kindness, rather taking hits and delivering blessings.  Amen.

Nothing compares

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” (Psalm 16:2 ESV)

Such a true statement!  Apart from God, what is good?  What can compare?  Nothing.

SOAP March 24, 2014

Scripture:  And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. (Matthew 24:12 ESV)

Observation: Jesus is speaking about end times in this passage and I find it so prophetic.  Watching the news it is clear that love is growing cold in the hearts of many.

Application: We love because He first loved us.  We must love one another, Christ followers and non-Christ followers.  In the face of tremendous adversity, we must love even more...with men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.  He pours out His love on us so that we may pour it out to one another, that He may be glorified.

Prayer: Daddy, fill us with Your love, let it pour out of us like water from a fountain.  Let our love never grow cold.  Amen.

SOAP March 23, 2014/ Be real...

Scripture: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. (Matthew 23:27 ESV)

Observation: Living out one's faith does NOT mean pretending to be perfect or putting up a façade.

Application: Let others see your struggles so that God may be glorified when victory is won.  We live in such a private and shut out world, we pass people struggling all day long and seldom notice.  We have been acclimated somewhere along the way that "Christianity" means perfect little people , living perfect little lives.  We all know the stereotype, but how do we overcome it?  

Imagine you are at a business dinner and the server comes to the table offering a choice of red or white wine.  2 of the men take red wine, 2 white, and 2 take no wine at all.  At first glance, this seems completely normal, not even worth taking a second look at.  How does your view change if you know that 1 of the 2 men at the table that took no wine is an alcoholic?  That little piece of information turns this simple decision into a struggle, a battle that can be won or lost.  Who is going to celebrate the victory with the alcoholic who was able to say no?  No one...because they don't know the struggle exists.

I am not advocating that we should be proud of our sin, I am instead saying that we need not be concerned with covering it up.  We are dirty, filthy, sinners, and are only made clean in Christ.  There must be more celebration of overcoming the struggle.  Victory in silence, how does that glorify God?  It doesn't...it glorifies ourself.  When other people know the struggle exists, they can see the impact that God has on Our lives, it brings accountability, and it glorifies God when they can see with their own eyes God changing lives.  We should celebrate every victory, every choice of righteousness over sin, this glorifies The Lord.  God sees everything...let us not be like whitewashed tombs.  

Prayer: Daddy, let Your church be filled with REAL people, with REAL problems, in love with a REAL God, and who love one another.  Let them be the kind of people who are victorious in Christ, tear down walls, and build treasure in Heaven,valuing You as the greatest treasure of all.  Let them celebrate and glorify You in every victory, no matter how small it may seem.  Amen! 

The battle we don't see, but is REAL!

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:11-20 ESV)

Last year, I wrote extensively on the topic of spiritual warfare (Check out the archives).  I can assure you of this, just as I said last year, the battle only intensifies once the enemy is aware that you are aware of the battle as well.  Satan is a sneaky, manipulative, deceiver.  He dresses up like a friend, finds your vulnerability, and then uses it to cause you to doubt.  Doubt can come in many forms, sometimes it is doubting God's promises, sometimes it is even doubting God's existence at all, and sometimes that doubt leads to conflict, compromise, or whatever else evil he can come up with.  The alarming thing to me is that in conversations with some Christ followers, it seems that basic training has been missed all together.  You can't give a soldier some armour and a sword and say "go do battle!" and expect them to be victorious!  This passage in Ephesians 6 is of the utmost importantce because it clearly spells out what the weopons and armour of this spiritual warfare is.  We are to wield God's word on the offense as the sword, and protect ourselves with the shield of faith, the belt of trugh, the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of rieghteousness, and shod our feet with the gospel of peace.  None of these are to be taken lightly!  Each one is absolutely critical in the battle.  If you are in battle and lose your sword, you have no offense, only defense.  We must know the word of God in order to wield it effectively.  Once we know the Word of God, we must belive in it's truth and God's promises so that we may believe upon them, that is the belt of Truth (also our life choices, being honest, etc.).  With these 2 in place, it is now important to pick up one of the most vital defensive pieces, the shield of faith.  We can believe all day long that the Bible is true, yet if we do not have faith that God is for us, that He is on His throne, that He is capable, all powerful, and able to do all that we could ever imagine and more then it is all for naught...we MUST take up the shield of faith and belive that He is exactly who He says He is, He is the Alpha & Omega, the beginning and the end, there is none like Him.  He can do ANYTHING...there is no doubt for those who wild the shield of faith.  With His Word, Truth, & Faith secured, righeteousness follows, protecting the heart and the vital organs.  By embracing His word as truth and having faith in His promises, the result is a changed life that results in righteousness (we will never be perfect while on this earth, yet the former does produce righteousness).  I'm not going to go in depth on the helmet of salvation and shodding the feet with the gospel of peace tonight (again, if you want to read more, look in last year's archives).  

Do not be fooled, there is a battle going on around you right now.  You may not be able to see it, hear it, semll it, taste it, etc...but it IS real.  Learn the tools of the trade and fight!  

O, and one last thing...in the end...WE WIN!  Take that Satan!

SOAP March 22, 2014

Scripture:  When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away. (Matthew 22:22 ESV)

Observation: Jesus' message caused the religious of the day to marvel and run away.

Application: The gospel message IS marvelous, yet many will choose to run away vs. embrace it, chasing after earthly treasures instead.

Prayer: Daddy, I pray that You would guard the hearts of the many who are being led astray by false teachers, false religiion, and unbelief.  I pray that you would rise up in them an insatiable fire to know the truth of Your word, to seek it out, and that the Holy Spirit would speak straight to their hearts.  Amen.

His Awesomeness

When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on earth, how neither day nor night do one’s eyes see sleep, then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. However much man may toil in seeking, he will not find it out. Even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find it out. (Ecclesiastes 8:16, 17 ESV)

No matter how hard we work, study, or try to understand things, we will always be in awe of God.  No matter how many scientists claim this or that, it doesn't change the fact that we cannot comprehend in full the nature of God's creation, only God knows all.  I can only imagine what God is capable of, for in the confines of my mind He is already limitless, yet I do not know that which I do not know, hence I cannot begin to understand His awesomeness! 

SOAP March 21, 2014

Scripture:   Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. (Matthew 21:31 ESV)

Observation: God sees straight to the heart, anything done for the sake of appearance is false, and God knows the intentions of the heart.

Application: Instead of glory, seek humility.  In place of stature, seek servitude.  Rather than place worth in the opinion of men, trust in the value of the faithfulness of God.

Prayer: Daddy, there are enough people in the world who seek the spotlight, defaming themselves, and teaching a false gospel.  I pray tonight, not only for myself, but for all, that they would be consumed by You.  I pray that You would teach us to love like never before and truly help one another.  Let Jesus be glorified in our actions and in our lives.  Amen

SOAP March 20, 2014

Scripture:  It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, (Matthew 20:26 ESV)

Observation: Greatness is of little importance, those who seek after it are eluded by it, because it is only found in servitude.

Application: Just as Jesus told Peter, "If you love me, feed my sheep", we must seek to serve, to humble ourselves before others for their benefit.  When we serve without expectation of receiving anything in return, that is when we see God so His most splendid work.

Prayer: Daddy, I tend to push others away, not because of unwillingness, but more out of awkwardness.  Help me be a genuine, empathetic, person that seeks and finds ways to serve others.  Amen!

Remember your leaders

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. (Hebrews 13:7 ESV)

This was a great reminder tonight to continually pray for those who have had such great spiritual impact in my life.  God has used so many people in so many tremendous ways, it is amazing to see His hand in everything!

SOAP March 19, 2014

Scripture:  And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:23 ESV)

Observation: riches bring their own troubles.

Application: View nothing as mine, but as God's.

Prayer: Daddy, all that is mine You have given to me, and all is Yours.  Let me not lay claim to anything, but rather lay claim to the promise of salvation through faith in our Lord Jesus.

In Him, there is no weakness

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:12, 13 ESV)

I could write a tale of sorrow that would make one weap.  I could recount iniquities and bring one to anger.  I will not do such things, rather I will say, "Blessed be the name of The Lord.  He is forever on His throne.  He is worthy of all of our praise! ". No matter our circumstance, God is our sustenance and He will keep us securely in His powerful grasp even in times of great distress.  He is the source of our stregnth and in Him there is no weakness.

SOAP March 18, 2014

Scripture: So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:14 ESV)

Observation: The choice to choose Christ or not is ours.  God wishes to have a relationship with each of us.

Application: Share the relevance of God with people and how God desires a relationship with them, however the choice is theirs to make....and each choice has a different outcome.

Prayer: Daddy, I am not always good at seeing the choices right in front of me.  Give me the abilility to see the choices and to know which way is Your path.  Amen.

Declare His greatness

I wash my hands in innocence and go around your altar, O Lord, proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds. (Psalm 26:6, 7 ESV)

Let us do the same, wash ourselves in innocence and proclaiming the greatness of God.

SOAP March 17, 2014

Scripture: He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” (Matthew 17:5 ESV)

Observation: God spoke His approval of Jesus in the presence of some of the most influential people in the Bile,

Application: I have lived my life wanting to hear that phrase.  Sometimes from men, sometimes from my own father, and sometimes from God.  Through Jesus, we are all sons and daughters of the most high...let us simply act as such, so that He may be well pleased.

Prayer: Daddy, help me to not seek glory in the eyes of others and rather seek Your will with all that I am.

SOAP March 16, 2014

Scripture: But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” (Matthew 16:23 ESV)

Observation: sometimes  what seems right is wrong

Application: await instruction then execute!

Prayer: lord help me to have energy and to manage my time so it is filled with You!!!

He is a great King...

Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations. (Malachi 1:14 ESV)

The Lord desires our full devotion, He is to be feared by all.  He is a great Kng and should be treated as such.  Great is His name in all the Earth.

SOAP March 15, 2014

Scripture: “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; (Matthew 15:8 ESV)

Observation: God knows the heart behind every word we speak, there is no hiding insincerity from God.

Application: Worship in Spirit and in Truth, confessing our sins, repenting, and bringing worship and thanksgiving out of the overflow of our heart.  Preparation for worship requires self examination lest it be just lip service to God.

Prayer: Daddy, prepare my heart daily to be in constant worship.  In You there are no secrets, nothing hidden.  Thank You for taking me as I am, and continuing to work in my heart.  Change me Lord.  Amen!

Like a candle

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 ESV)

Today was a challenge, one I will eventually get through, but I'm continually replaying over and over again in my head.  All of the "what if I would have...", "i should have", etc.  my thoughts at one point drifted to life being like a candle fighting against the wind.  When it is shielded, it gently dances this way or that, yet when it is fully exposed it violently whips about until the flame goes out.  When the flame is extinguished, the aroma lingers for a few moments, there is a thin whisp of smoke, and then...it's as if the candle have never burned at all.  God is our shield and protector from the storm.  Sure, we will have tough battles to face, but dance livelier than ever, fight against the wind and hide behind The Lord as Your shield, for He will keep your flame from going out.  Burn on, be steadfast, love God.

SOAP March 14, 2014

Scripture: Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31 ESV)

Observation: we begin to sink when we start to doubt.

Application: be bold, DO NOT DOUBT.

Prayer: Daddy may my faith be in You alone and teach me not to doubt as I am so prone to do.  May my trust forever be in Your name.  Amen!

Without knowledge

“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? (Job 38:2 ESV)

Sometimes I thnk that I know best, that I am in control, that the decisions are mine to make...just like Job, I am wrong in making such assumptions.  He knows best, He is in control, and I am simply (and happy to be) part of His story.  Give me knowledge Lord and above all, give me the ability to trust You Lord with all that I am.

SOAP March 13, 2014

Scripture: As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. (Matthew 13:22 ESV)

Observation: Living in modern day western culture, this passage saddens me greatly.  We live in the wealthiest society in the history of the world, yet we still can not find contentment and continue to seek after riches.

Application: It is not our stuff, wealth, etc. that is the problem, it is our hearts and attitudes that must be pure.  If we are given much, then much is also required of us.

Prayer: Daddy, help me see your light in the darkest of places, lead me to still waters, and let me flourish in the light of Your glory.  Amen.

Self evaluation

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. (2 Peter 1:5-9 ESV)

What a tremendous litmus test for ourselves!  Doing a little self assessment in things like virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love, certainly makes it easy to see where the weaknesses are and where to focus.  May we always be seeking to increase in these areas, and not suffer from nearsightedness.  Good word and good things to focus on.  Word!

SOAP March 12, 2014

Scripture: Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:12 ESV)

Observation: Jesus is making a statement, not asking a question.  Sheep were very valuable in biblical times, for many it was part of how they provided for their families (like our jobs today, except now instead of sheep, it's information, products, services, etc.).  This is a tremendous statement by Jesus about how valuable people are. 

Application: Treat people better than work.  People first...working on it.

Prayer: Daddy, help me to get out of my head and into my heart.  Give me your heart for people, help me see their value as you see it.  Teach me to remember that every decision impacts somebody in some way, and help me to make wise choices.

The Lord builds the house and watches over it

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. (Psalm 127:1, 2 ESV)

What a great reminder tonight.  I tend to be a workaholic, sleeping little.  I must remember that it doesn't matter how much or how hard I work, all of the reward comes from what He is building.  I am just fortunate to have a front row seat to watch Him work.  Praying that God would give me peace, rest, and sleep tonight.  

SOAP March 11, 2014

Scripture: Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29 ESV)

Observation: Jesus desires us to learn from Him and for us to find rest.

Application: Just as Jesus is gentle and lowly of heart, so should I be.  May my presence amongst others bring the peace of Christ.

Prayer:  Daddy, may Your peace reign supreme in my life and may Your spirit in me bring comfort to all who are around me, not that I would be doing anything, but that Your peace would be known and You would be glorified.  

SOAP March 10, 2014

Scripture:  Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Matthew 10:39 ESV)

Observation: the life, the person we were before we came to know Christ, is lost, and with that it is replaced by newness of life in Christ that centers around glorifying God.

Application:  Let go of the remnants of the past struggles that seem to keep you down.  We are new creations in Christ, therefore let us live as such and share with others the life that we have found in Christ.

Prayer:  Daddy, thank You that Your mercies are new everyday.  Thank You for salvation and for making me new.  I love You God!

Remember and fulfill our commitments

Remember, O Lord, in David’s favor, all the hardships he endured, how he swore to the Lord and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob, (Psalm 132:1, 2 ESV)

Let us not forget our commitments and vows before The Lord.  Praise Him in the times of trial, for the closeness of God in those situations are second to none.  Amen!

SOAP March 9, 2014

Scripture:  And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. (Matthew 9:35 ESV)

Observation: Jesus wasn't stationary, He moved around a lot.

Application: proclaim the gospel wherever you may find yourself.

Prayer:  daddy, help me to go where You say to go and speak the words that You give me to speak.  Amen!

The Creator knows His creation

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? (Psalm 8:3, 4 ESV)

When you look at existence as a whole, general to specific, big to little, there are layers upon layers, many that are still unknown.  Universes, galaxies, solar systems, planets, hemispheres, continents, countries, ecosystems, species, organisms, molecules, atoms, protons, electrons, neutrons, quarks, etc.  The fingerprints of God are on it all...yet He still cares deeply for us, even to the finest detail that may have yet to be discovered...and He knows it's there, because He is our Creator.

SOAP March 8, 2014

Scripture: And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” (Matthew 8:25 ESV)

Observation: Even in the presence of Jesus, the disciples went with the worst case scenario, that they were going to die.

Application: Though my mind tells me otherwise, I need to have faith, trust in Jesus to see me through the storm either safely, beat up, or not at all.  The outcome should have nothing to do with it, I simply need to follow Jesus.

Prayer: Daddy, guide my steps and teach me to follow closely.

Leaning towers of blocks

And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:27 ESV)

Tonight's passage is speaking of the foolish man that built his house upon sand (the world) instead of the rock (God).  The line that really stood out to me was "great was the fall of it".  My 5 year old daughter will play with blocks from time to time and has done so since an early age.  When she was 2 or so, she would get frustrated when her block towers would tumble.  I would look on as her towers would begin to lean precariously, and then tumble down.   I would show her that the trick to building a big tower was to have a firm foundation, wide, sturdy, & steady.  She now understands how to make tall towers, she understands the importance of a strong foundation.  

Jesus is telling us the same thing, if the foundation of our lives are not built upon God, then we will fall, except in this case, it is a mighty fall.  It is mighty because it's not blocks, or even a house that is really being spoken of, it is our lives, and ultimately our eternal soul that Jesus was speaking of metaphorically.  We must build our lives on Jesus...He must not be just an accent piece on the wall, He  must be the foundation that bares all the weight and holds everything together.  When you really think about it, that means that He carries all the weight, all the pressure, and He holds us firmly in place.  Pretty freeing...Amen!

SOAP March 7, 2014

Scripture: You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? (Matthew 7:16 ESV)

Observation: False teachers and false witnesses have existed since before the time of Christ.  If something seems strange, measure it against God's word, seek wisdom, test the spirits, pray about it. Do not follow blindly.

Application:  Good trees produce good fruit.  Take stock of the fruit I am producing and tend to my own garden so to speak.

Prayer: Daddy, let me not only be a hearer of Your word, but a doer of Your word.  Make me more like You.  Amen.

Treasure

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21 ESV)

Whatever satisfies your heart, fulfills your longings, how does it compare to your relationship with Christ?  The things that we chase after to satisfy our hearts, rob God of the interaction He wants with us, and robs us of of being in His presence.  May we ever seek to put away the flesh, and rather worship in mind, spirit, and hopefully body, so that we might build up our treasure in Kingdom stuff.  Amen!

SOAP March 6, 2014

Scripture: Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (Matthew 6:8 ESV)

Obaervation: when we pray, God already knows our needs.There is no need for grand standing or long windedness.   He knows our needs even before we ask.

Application: it is ok to not have the words to say when you want to pray.  God is always listening and watching...and He already knows exactly what You need.  Trust in Him completely!

Prayer:  Daddy, thank You for anticipating and knowing my needs.  I am so greatful for having You in my life!  Amen.

If Nebuchadnezzar can tell people, so can we

King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you! It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has done for me. (Daniel 4:1, 2 ESV)

When even King Nebuchadnezzar proclaims the glory of God, how much more should be proclaiming his wonders, singingh His songs of praise, and telling of His wonders.  Share your story, it is the most powerful thing that you have to tell others that God is real.

Love your enemies

Scripture: But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (Matthew 5:44 ESV)

Observation: It is easy to love and pray for those who are closer to us, yet difficult to do so for those who persecute us.  Doing so is obedience to Christ.

Application: Look for ways to love those who are unkind, pray for them, try to see the hurt in their lives and make a positive impact.

Prayer:  Daddy, give me the ability to see the hurt, behind the anger, not just for myself, but for others also.  Then lead me and guide me in how to share Your love in those situations.  Give me Your words to speak, and give me the stregnth to obey.  Amen.

Restoration

I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. (Joel 2:25 ESV)

I am reminded of this verse frequently when I am going through trials.  There is much adversity in life, some easy to deal with, others, not so much.  I know that God is there and knows what is happening.  I know that He will not abandon me or forsake me through any of it.  I am looking forward to the restoration aspect, not just because of the positives of being done with the ordeal, but because of the amazing story that I get to share about what God did/has done/ and is doing in my life.  He brings restoration, sometimes the demolition/rebuilding process takes longer than we would like.

Great and hidden things

“Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. (Jeremiah 33:2, 3 ESV)

Praying involves just as much listening as it does talking.  Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit intercedes for us in prayer.  God knows our needs even before they are spoken, thought, or even formed.  When we engage in dialogue with God, He talks back through His word, providing encouragement, guidance, wisdom, knowledge, comfort, love…great and hidden things that you have not known.

Out of burdens

I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. (Exodus 6:7 ESV)

God is there for His people, and he will bring us out from under the burdens that we face.  God is faithful and He proves it time and time again, generation after generation.  We all will have burdens in this life.  We can chose to tackle them on our own and prove our arrogance, or submit to God.  There is no burden too big for God…none.

SOAP March 4, 2014

Scripture:  Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. (Matthew 4:11 ESV)

Observation: Jesus was in need of ministering to after his time being tempted by the devil.

Application:  We need ministering to also after repeated temptation.  It is a constant battle that is going on, and we need refreshing and rest.  The Holy Spirit provides this and more in God's word.  Spending time seeking Him brings refreshment to the soul.

Prayer:  Daddy, guide my footsteps, and keep me upright, protect me when I stumble, and help me get up again when I fall, bring me water when I am thirsty, and dry my tears when I can contain them no longer.  Thank You Lord.  Amen.

SOAP March 3, 2014

Scripture:  Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, (Matthew 3:5 ESV)

Observation: John was in the wilderness and people were being drawn out to see him, he was radically different.

Application: I want to be radically different for Jesus.  I'm not even sure how that looks, but that is my heart's desire.  To let my life be like a road sign pointing straight to Him.

Prayer: Daddy, may my mistakes be testimony to your grace and forgiveness.  Teach me to be gracious to others as You are gracious to me.  Teach me to love others, as You have loved me.  Teach me to do this without even thinking.   Teach me Lord…and let me learn.  Amen

SOAP March 2, 2014

Scripture:  And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” (Matthew 2:8 ESV)

Observation: Powerful men (Herod didn't want to worship Jesus, he was afraid for his throne) use deception in an effort to find information.

Application: When powerful people align themselves with your cause, seek guidance, pray, and take wise counsel from others, to avoid treachery and deception.

Prayer: Daddy, keep me from pride and wanting the attention of powerful people.  Give me wisdom, strength, & humility.

Actions speak louder than words

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. (1 John 3:18-20 ESV)

The old verbiage "actions speak louder than words" is the best way I can summarize tonight's passage.  Sometimes it is easy to get so caught up in the "talking" that it hinders or prevents the "doing".  A great reminder tonight on so many levels.

SOAP March 1, 2014

Scripture: So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations. (Matthew 1:17 ESV)

Observation: the breakdown of each trimester of 14 generations encompasses the rise of a God's chosen people, the height of their glory, corruption, arrogance, and their enslavement setting the stage for Jesus.

Application: When The Lord brings prosperity or good things into our lives, do not embrace those things more or allow them to become more important than they once were.  If we allow these things to become more important in our lives, it brings about arrogance.  Our way of thinking becomes that we know better than God, hence leading us to become slaves to the sin that we have chosen to embrace instead of following after God.  Clearly today, just as in the past, we need a Saviour...and His name is Jesus.

Prayer: Daddy, help me embrace You more each day and let everything else fade away.  Give me a heart that seeks yours.  Teach me to love as You love and to not over value the material things.  Thank You for the many blessings You have given me.  Thank You for loving me so much that You came to Earth and died on the cross for me.  Help me be the man You want me to be Lord, I need You to make that happen, for I can not do it of my own accord.  Amen.