SOAP November 30, 2014

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

Observation: choices come with consequences.

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

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

SOAP November 28, 2014

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

Observation: there was no partiality in the se slayings.

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

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

SOAP November 25, 2014

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

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

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

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

SOAP November 24, 2014

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

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

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

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

SOAP November 23, 2014

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

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

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

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

SOAP November 21, 2014

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

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

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

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

SOAP 11/18/2014

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

Observation: Jeremiah was quite optimistic at times.

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

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

SOAP November 18, 2014

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

Observation: Obedience brings about a willingness to serve God.

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

SOAP November 17, 2014

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

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

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

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

SOAP November 16, 2014

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

Observation: guilt and rebellion are calling cards of sin.  

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

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

SOAP November 15, 2014

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

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

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

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

SOAP November 14, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

SOAP November 10, 2014

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

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

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

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

SOAP November 9, 2014

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

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

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

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

SOAP November 8, 2014

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

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

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

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

SOAP November 7, 2014

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

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

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

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

SOAP November 6, 2014

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

Observation: obedience is key to seeking after Christ.

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

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

SOAP November 5, 2014

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

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

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

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

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

SOAP November 4, 2014

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

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

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

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

SOAP November 3, 2014

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

Observation: Jesus is the fulfillment of this!

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

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

SOAP November 2, 2014

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

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

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

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

SOAP November 1, 2014

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

Observation: God is not shy about sharing His plans.

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

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