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.