SOAP 08/07/2011; Zephaniah 1:6

Today's reading: Zephaniah 1, 2, 3; John 9

S) " ⁶ And those who have turned back from following the LORD,
And those who have not sought the LORD or inquired of Him.” "

Zephaniah 1:6 (NASB)

O) So, as Christians, we're very wary of sliding back into our old lifestyles, old habits, old sins. Sliding back, i.e. backsliding, is the equivalent of how Israel and Judah would turn back from following the LORD. What really stands out to me from this verse, though, is the second line. God is telling His people how they sinned and why they are being exiled. In the same sentence as rebuking them for back-sliding, He also calls them out because they were not seeking the LORD or inquiring of Him. So, essentially, by not praying and/or not seeking God through the Word...

A) What a startling scripture, passivity and rebellion mentioned in the same sentence this way! So, instead of being a passive Christian, simply avoiding mistakes and ultimately back-sliding, I need to be proactive and really chase God. I need to seek Him and His will for my life in every facet. In prayer, I need to wait expectantly for His response. In reading the Bible, I need allow for the Holy Spirit to really highlight verses for me. I need to actively subject my heart to God so that I am humbling myself before Him, so that He can mold me into His man.

P) Father, I am Yours. Holy Spirit, prod my heart so that I never become complacent. Lord, I want Your will for my life. I am choosing to be humble before you always, and if I fail in that, then please humble me. Give me strength and endurance to chase you perpetually, all the days of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.