SOAP April 30, 2014

Scripture: No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. (Romans 4:20, 21 ESV)

Observation: Faith is the slayer of unbelief, where faith is strong, unbelief is weak or even nonexistent.

Application: Let us grab strongly onto the shield of faith and never doubt in the greatness, power fullness, and shear awesomeness of our God.  There is nothing He cannot do, nothing is too big or little for Him.

Prayer: Daddy, I live a life of a billion little stresses, and i am yet again reminded tonight that YOU alone hold it all in Your hands.  You alone can rescue me from myself...once again I hear you telling me that I must decrease so that You might increase.  Make it so Lord, make it so.  Amen!

SOAP April 29, 2014

Scripture: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. (Romans 3:23-25 ESV)

Observation: ALL have sinned, none are worthy of the glory of God.  Jesus paid the price for our sin with His blood.

Application: There is no one beyond the reach of salvation through faith by the blood of Jesus.  This is the good news for the Jew, the Gentile, the Athiest, etc.  A simple recognition of Jeus Chrsit as the Son of the Living God, putting your faith in Him, through faith, and by His grace, that is how salvation is obtained.  Make no mistake, He will also change you forever...He makes you a new creation.

Prayer: Daddy, there are so many opportunities that have popped up to participate in Your kingdom work.  Show me where You want me, lead me and I will follow, speak and I will listen, guide me by Your gracious hand that I might bring glory to your name.  I seek not self recognition, only recognition for Christ, whom to all things belong.  Amen! 

SOAP April 28, 2014

Scripture: For God shows no partiality. (Romans 2:11 ESV

Observation: Our worldly interpretation of sin is flawed in that in our eyes there is a hierarchy.  Sin is sin and God has no partiality towards it.

Application: we must focus not on other's sin, but rather on our own sin issues.  Through the power of Jesus, He changes us, people see the change in us and instead of being one of those "judgemental Christians", they in turn ask questions like "why do you have so much joy?" Or "How have you not given up?" or best of all, "what you have is real and life changing, help me understand because I'm broken and don't understand...but I need too because I'm at the end of my rope".  

Prayer: Daddy, move in many hearts, including mine.  You know the plans You have for me, let me simply follow and bring you praise.  Amen! 

Soap April 27, 2014

Scripture: Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. (Romans 1:24, 25 ESV)

Observation: I often hear people question whether we have free will or not.  This passage is perfect example.  God does not intervine when people choose to seek a life of debuachery instead of Him.  In fact, He does the exact opposite, He allows the person to go their own way, because "they have exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worhsipped and served the creature rather than the Creator".

Application:  This life is fleeting, it feels like we are invincible when we are young, yet with age, we begin to feel the toll that life takes upon our bodies.  Our teeth are covered in enamel to protect the insides, and if we choose to take good care of them, they will last a long time.  Neglecting your body, or neglecting your teeth and you will realize that you have done irreperable damage that have major implications on you health.  Such is the case with our spirtual lives.  If we do take good care of ourselves spiritually (Pray, Spend time STUDYING God's word, worshipping Him, enocountering Him, experiencing Him, talking with others about Him, etc) then we become like a tooth that hasn't been well maintained.  We get holes in our enamel, then we slowly rot and decay from the inside out...and without interrvention that is the end.  We have a choice, we either choose a life with God or a  life without Him.  He very much wants us to choose Him, yet He allows us to choose a life without Him as well...but it is hollow, full of decay, and there is still an eternal life, one devoid of God and everything about that God that is good, there will be no peace, no love, the Bible says in that place there is weaping and gnashing of teeth.  Sure you have free will, however, just as freedom costs a tremendous price, so did freedom from sin and death.  You do not HAVE to choose Jesus, but if you don't you must understand that a life without Him is an eternal choice.

Prayer:  Daddy, I pray that Your light would shine before men, that you would increase and that I would decrease.  That I would have the "tough" conversations with friends and family and ask them if they have made a decision for Christ.  I do not want any to exchange the truth about God for a lie and worship their stuff, money, etc.  Please let them see that a life withouth You is not a life at all...and that apart from you their is nothing good.  Amen.

SOAP April 26, 2014

Scripture:Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. (Hebrews 13:9 ESV)

Observation: The message of the cross is consistent and is unchanging.  

Application: Faith is Jesus results in salvation by grace.  That s the simple, beautiful gospel!

Prayer: Daddy, loosen my tongue and teach me to talk in ways that are easy for others to understand, so that Your gospel message would be understood by many.  Send Your Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of the hearers even now.  Amen. 

Until there is nothing left but Christ

This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:27-29 ESV)

I am so grateful for His kingdom that cannot be shaken!  In the midst of my deepest sorrow, hardest struggle, etc,  I will worship in reverence and awe... Mo matter what! Many will say why?  I can simply answer by stating that the value of knowing Christ is worth everything, there is nothing I would trade for Jesus...period.  I want to always worship like that, in reckless abandon, forgetting about what the people around me are thinking, not focused on what I can get out of it, but rather focused on what I can give back to Him, how I can lead His people to a place where they are vulnerable and ready to be molded like clay, connecting with the God of all creation in a way that is deep, personal, and life altering.  I want to be humbled in in His presence, mindful of His glory, and consumed by His holy fire, burned up and refined until there is nothing left in me but Christ.

SOAP April 25, 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: I was once involved in a terrible accident, and while in tremendous pain, God began a work in my life.  Doctors had a list of things that I would never do again...but He healed me and I am able to do them, because of Christ.

Application: training and obedience to God's word, prayer, accountability, these things we should seek out so that we ensure that our path is straight and that we are strengthening our weakness through Christ and fellow believers.

Prayer: Daddy, thank You so much for the tremendous people You have placed in my life. They keep me accountable, they point me to You, and collectively we give You glory.  Thank You.  Amen!

SOAP April 24, 2014

Scripture: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 ESV)

Observation: Faith alone is fundamental in how we relate to our world.  Without faith, there is no assurance, there is nothing hoped for, and no conviction exists for things unseen.  I found myself one day walking through an antique mall.  I like old stuff...I'm quirky like that.  What becomes immediately apparent while looking through an antique shop/mall/store of any kind, is that all of the "stuff" used to be somebodyelse's stuff...maybe even several generations of somebodyelse's stuff.  I remember thinking to myself that all the stuff in the antique mall had a story behind it, one that I would never know, but doubtless existed.  Then I had a thought that horrified me...it shook me to my core...it nearly brought me to tears...All of this stuff was all that what was left of someone's life.  The silverware chest that was likely so proudly displayed in the dining room, the hand crafted, granite topped dresser, the ivory handled hair brush, all of them just artifacts of people who sought happiness in worldly possessions.  I began to think of the oppulence of society, taking dollars for ourselves and giving pennies to those in need.  Surely THESE people had put their faith in stuff, and not in God...but then a different sense came about...I came across a family heirloom bible, proudly displayed on a stand, in a fine wooden box with gold inlay...clearly it had value and was designed as a keepsake, but it got me to thinking, why assume the worst?  I don't know all the stories, some of the items belonged to Christ followers, and some didn't...it still breaks my heart to know that the "some didn't" existed...because I would give anything to tell them about Jesus and His saving grace through faith.  I found a few items that made me smile, and equally brought a tear to my eye...some well worn church hymnals, books of prayer, bibles, family heirloom bibles, etc.  These items pointed to a person or persons who did not merely display the word of God, but utilized it, read it, understood it, and who knows where their story ended.  That provided me with hope.  Just as Paul tells us that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen, so I felt leaving the antique mall.  I hoped that the people wholse stuff that was had found Jesus, that they were able to get past the unseen and trust in God...and I can never know for sure.

Application:  I do a lot of Bible reading online and will likely continue to do so.  I plan to start highlighting many key verses in my physical Bible, making notations, and writing journal entries (a compendium if you will) for my daughter( which is one of the key motivators of writing this blog).  I want to share with her all that God has done in my life, prevent her from making the mistakes that I have made, and ultimately lead her to be utterly head over heals in love with Jesus.  What a treasured item to leave behind to her, than a tattered, well worn Bible, full of scribbles, notes, etc. that she can know even after I am long goner what her Earthly Dad's view on scripture was.  I hope she will treasure it, not just because it was mine, but because it tells not just the beautiful story of God,Mobutu is highlighted with how my life intersected with the Creator.  She can see the relationship on the pages, and know that the bent edges, smeared ink, and tear stains are all from a life that was changed by the Saviour.  I want that for all who read these words to have that kind of life with Christ. The key word in all of these things is FAITH.  I promise, if you have questions, write me or post here and I will answer to the best of my ability.

Prayer: Daddy, I don't want to simply be a scattering of a deadlman's treasures.  I would rather that what they find is a bible worn to the nub, with pages torn out and put back in, a million ink stains, highlights, tear stains, and an unspeakable story of how YOU moved in my life.  Thank You God for who You are and for the prevelage to worship you!

SOAP April 23, 2014

Scripture: For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. (Hebrews 10:36 ESV)

Observation: We must have endurance in our life as Christ followers.

Application: Seeking after God is not a once a week, once a day, once an hour thing.  It is like a heartbeat, it must be constant in order to sustain our spiritual life.  The entirety of who we are must be consumed with Christ.

Prayer:  Daddy, be my heartbeat, be my breath...consume me.  Amen.

SOAP April 22, 2014

Scripture: so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:28 ESV)

Observation: The second coming is one of glory and great anticipation.

Application: Many men will seek to leave behind a legacy of their own accomplishments.  The only accomplishment worth striving or achieving is complete surrender to Jesus.  Our only boast is in Christ, for in Him and through Him alone are all things possible.

Prayer: Daddy, I eagerly await the return of Jesus!  Let my tongue not be silent, and let my only boast be in Christ, through by faith I am called a son of God.  Amen!

SOAP April 21, 2014

Scripture: For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:12 ESV)

Observation: Because of Jesus, our sins are not merely forgiven, they are forgotten.

Application: His mercies are new everyday, do not allow your past to haunt you. You can not change the past, but God can use your past to alter your future in amazing ways.  Ways that you may never thought possible.

Prayer: God, fill me with boldness and passion, give me the stregnth and energy to run the race in a manner to worthy of the prize.  May You be glorified through me, that you would increase and I would decrease.  Amen.

SOAP April 20, 2014 Happy Easter

Scripture: He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. (Hebrews 7:27 ESV)

Observation: Today being Easter, i found this passage to be so fitting.  Jesus offered himself up once and for all.  He paid the price for our sin.  When He said "it is finished", the power of sin and death was forever defeated.

Application: Salvation is a gift, and like any gift, it must be received.  Jesus paid the price for your sins, for my sins.  He defeated sin and death and offers us salvation through faith in Him.  He offers us a relationship with Him, if you have never accepted Christ, Today can be your day of salvation.  

Prayer:  Daddy, there are no words eloquent enough to express my gratitude for the cross, for Your unconditional love, and for all that You are.  I love You Lord, thank You for calling me to be one of your sons...that always makes me smile..thanks!  Amen.

SOAP April 19, 2014

Scripture: We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:19, 20 ESV)

Observation: Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, the curtain was torn in two, and we can now come to the Father through Jesus.

Application:  No one comes to the Father except through Jesus.  Seek Him, He stands at the door and knocks, and He loves us more than we can even fathom.

Prayer: Daddy, Thank You for loving us so much that You sent Jesus.  Thank You that those who know Him, know You, and that we celebrate it with every breath.  Thank You for loving us, thank You for loving me.  amen!

Good Friday SOAP entry

Scripture:  In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. (Hebrews 5:7 ESV)

Observation: Jesus, the son of a God had such reverence for the Father.  He longed to be with Him and routinely sought out times to spend with the Father.

Application:  I need to be more in awe of a God, be reverent, facedown, worshipping, and grateful.  This is especially true today on a Good Friday, when I think about the excruciating torture and crucifixion of a Jesus.

Prayer: Daddy, thank You that You have called us to be Your sons and daughters, bought with the blood of Jesus.  Hel me to never take that forgranted, and always approach You with reverence.  Amen.

SOAP April 17, 2014

 Scripture: Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:11)

Observatin:  we reap what we sow.

Application: our rest is in Christ alone, and He is glorified in it.

Prayer:  Daddy, teach me to slow down, rest more, and praise You for a Your creation.  Amen.

God wants us to rest in Him

See! The Lord has given you the Sabbath; therefore on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Remain each of you in his place; let no one go out of his place on the seventh day.” (Exodus 16:29 ESV)

In the fast paced world we live in, rest is overshadowed, overlooked, viewed as weakness, etc.  God the Almighty rested and stressed the importance of rest for us.  This is a timely reminder, not just to rest in general, but to take time away from the things that could otherwise become idols in our lives.  It could be our job, sports, even family.  God wants us to rest, and not just rest in general, but rest in Him.  What a mighty God we serve!

SOAP April 16, 2014

Scripture: (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) (Hebrews 3:4 ESV)

Observation: Our very existence, our faith, our love for others is testament to God the Father.  Without Him, there is no creation, no life, no love, and no salvation.

Application: Gove thanks to The Lord, for He is the master builder, the creator of all.

Prayer:  Daddy, thank You for all the marvels that You have made.  I stand in awe of Your creation and I stand in awe of You.

SOAP April 15, 2014

Scripture: For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:18 ESV)

Observation:  Jesus knows ALL of our struggles.  He can relate to us, because He too was tempted in the flesh.

Application: In Jesus there is not only hope, there is help.

Prayer:  Daddy, I can't put my finger on it yet, but I feel You moving and doing a mighty work.  I pray that I would heed your calling, walk by faith with my eyes fixed solely on You, and that through it all never forget that You have gone before me and You make my paths straight.  Amen.

SOAP April 14, 2015

Scripture :And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; (Hebrews 1:10 ESV)

Observation:  from the beginning, HE has been there.

Application:  He. Is mightier than our feeblest imagination.

Prayer:  Daddy, show me how big you are, so that I may never forget.  Amen!  

SOAP April 13, 2014

Scripture: And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. (Mark 16:13 ESV)

Observation:  telling others of our belief does not guarantee that they their eyes will be opened.

Application: Believe, especially in the the things that seem impossible af gloryinfy Christ.

Prayer, Daddy, help my own unbelief and surround me with those who know You and can direct me out of fiery paths.  

SOAP April 12, 2014

Scripture: And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. (Mark 15:7 ESV)

Observation: The crowd choice a murderer over Jesus, who had done no wrong.

Application: We too must choose between sin and Jesus.  Pursuing Jesus does not mean you will never sin, it means you are forgiven.

Prayer:  Daddy, Thank You for the cross, thank You for sending Jesus, and thank You for all that You have don end will do.  Amen.

SOAP April 11, 2014

Scripture: And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. (Mark 14:40 ESV)

Observation: the mortality of Jesus is really felt in this passage.  Imagine knowing you were spending your final moments of rest with your loved ones before being crucified.  What anguish I can only imagine.

Application: be aware, be awake, for He is coming again.

Prayer: Daddy, May Jesus come again soon.  I pray that Your elect would not slumber, but instead await His return more than the watchman await the morning.

SOAP April 10, 2014

Scripture:  And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. (Mark 13:5 ESV)

Observation: Jesus is giving a warning not be be lead astray.

Application: Test everything against the Word of God, thereby not being lead astray.

Prayer: Daddy, I ask for wisdom and discernment.  Teach me to view everything through the lens of Your Holy Word and be able to know Your truth alone.  Amen.

SOAP April 9, 2014

Scripture:  What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. (Mark 12:9 ESV)

Observation: The tenants were foolish to think that they could take by force that which was not theirs.  

Application: Do not take, rather receive that which is offered freely.  Christ died for all.

Prayer: Daddy, may the words of Your good news ever be in my heart and on my tongue.  Amen.

SOAP April 8, 2014

Scripture: And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. (Mark 11:22 ESV)

Observation: The simplest truths are not spoken with many words, yet the depth of their truth are limitless.  

Application:  Have faith IN God.

Prayer: Daddy, faith is one of those things that can be easy and be hard.  I pray that You would teach me to place my faith in You no matter what.  Amen!

SOAP April 7, 2014

Scripture:  But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, (Mark 10:43 ESV)

Observation: leaders serve.

Application: When leaders serve, it teaches others to serve.  Do more serving in leading.

Prayer: Daddy, thank You for being the example of leading by serving.  Help me to put that into practice.  Amen.

SOAP APRIL 6, 2014

Scripture:  Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 ESV)

Observation: Another tremendous encounter with Jesus described by Mark.  The father of the deaf/mute possessed boy instantly asks for his unbelief to be helped.  

Application: Let us pray and ask for help with our own unbelief in whatever areas that we struggle to believe.  Let our faith be strengthened and know that NOTHING is to big for God.

Prayer:  Daddy, help my unbelief tonight.  Help me to not doubt and to fully trust You above all.  Amen.

God is always with us

For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. (Psalm 33:4 ESV)

With God, there is true faithfulness, He never leaves us.

SOAP April 5, 2014

Scripture: And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. (Mark 8:31 ESV)

Observation: The rejection of Jesus by the "relgious" people of the day points to His desire to eliminate barriers and have a personal relationship with us.  A relationship built on faith, grace, and mercy.

Application: The law of the Old Testament could not be fulfilled by any but Jesus.  Jesus fulfilled that we might be free.  He stands at the door and knocks, and if we open up the door of our heart, we have fellowship with the Most high.  Seek Him earnestly.

Prayer: Daddy, thank You for Jesus.  I pray that I would never be far from You and that You would hide Your word in my heart.  Give me wisdom and discernment.  May You be glorified in all the Earth.  Amen. 

SOAP April 4, 2014

Scripture: You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” (Mark 7:8 ESV)

Observation: In all matters, God's commandments are the supreme authority.  

Application: Following after God means not following after men.  When we are following after God, we may find ourselves in some lonely wilderness on our journey.  The journey is important and it is imperative that we are not simply following the person in front of us, for God hasn't called us to follow the leader, He has called us to follow Him.

Prayer: Daddy, give me wisdom and guidance to follow after You.  Teach me to hold tight to You and let the traditions of men go.  Thank You for All that You are.  

He delights in us

By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy will not shout in triumph over me. (Psalm 41:11 ESV)

Talk about unfathomable!  God delights in us...say it out loud " God delights in us".  Now personalize it, and say it out loud again "God Delights in ME!".   Go find a mirror and say it over and over again, because it is true.  We, You, I, are His delight.  We are treasured, prized, loved...His delight! 

If you find yourself struggling with how valuable you are..You too, are His delight.  He loved you/us so much that He sent His only son to die on the cross to pay the price for your/our sin. 

He delights in you. 

SOAP April 3, 2014

Scripture:  And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. (Mark 6:31 ESV)

Observation: After the disciples had been out casting out demons, healing the sick, and ministering to others, Jesus instructs them to come away by themselves to a desolate place.  We see this withdrawing from people for a time frequently in scripture and it is done to revitalize the soul by spending one on one time with The Lord.

Application: Spend one on one time with God, away from people, in desolate places, and rest.

Prayer:  Daddy, I am ever so thankful that you sent Jesus as fully God and fully man, so that He knows all that we experience and that we need those quiet times with You, in desolate places, and that we need rest.  Thank You for Jesus, thank You for the cross, and thank You for the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Tell them how much...

And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” (Mark 5:19 ESV)

This was Jesus' reply to the demoniac (after Jesus had cast out Legion) when the demoniac wanted to go with Him.  I asked myself the question, is that the end of the story?  Clearly the answer is no.  I don't know the beginning of the story or how the man came to be possessed by Legion, yet I do know that the man was alive and telling people what Jesus had done for him after Jesus departed from him (so clearly not the end).  I will call it "the middle" of the demoniac's story.  I make this observation for a specific reason.  Whatever you, dear reader, are struggling with tonight, there is a path that lead you here (not to the blog, to the point in your life).  The important part is to understand that when your path intersects with Jesus (as I hope it has...if it hasn't see my personal testimony in the archives), He became Lord of your life.  Struggles will, do, and will continue until death.  What doesn't change is the sovereignty of God.  We endure because He sustains us, we rely not on ourselves, but we rely on Christ.  When we make it to the other side of the struggle or trial, we are called to go to our friends and tell them how much The Lord has done for us.  We all struggle, and everyone sees it...when God brings mercy, healing, release, etc. we must be certain to tell of it.  If you haven't read Mark 5, check it out.  It is, in my opinion the most human of depictions of the demoniac and his life altering encounter with Jesus.

SOAP April 2, 2014

Scripture:   Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. (Mark 5:5 ESV)

Observation: The demoniac was suffering, in constant anguish, wandering on the mountains and among the tombs.  

Application: With God all things are possible, freedom is not merely an idea, it is a reality.  Trust The Lord to set us free from whatever chains hold us.

Prayer: Daddy, You know the suffering, pain, anguish, chains, etc. that is out there.  Draw people to You, through Your church and pour out Your love, power, healing, grace, and mercy, that Your name would be lifted high in all the Earth.

SOAP April1, 2014/seeking answers and asking questions

Scripture:  And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. (Mark 4:10 ESV)

Observation: it is ok to ask for help or understanding.

Application:  Seek answers to questions, ask more questions about things you are sure of.  This strengthens our understanding and gives us a firm foundation in our faith.

Prayer:  Daddy, thank you for giving us the ability to ask questions, learn, and improve.  I pray that You would teach me to put into practice "seeking answers and asking questions".