Today's reading: Isaiah 25, 26, 27, 28; Hebrews 13
S) "20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen." - Hebrews 13:20-21 (NASB)
O) So, from the start of the verse we see first, that the whole thing hinges on Jesus' sacrifice. The Father raised him from the dead because of His blood, which was shed. So, through that sacrifice, we are even able to do the will of the Father in the first place. Then, through our faith and the sacrifice of Jesus we are called righteous and God will therefore call us to do His will. And here is the reason I chose this verse - God, through His son, Jesus our Lord, equips us "in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing to His sight," - this breaks down into 2 essential things. 1) it's all according to His will. If we're trying something that's outside His will, we cannot expect Him to equip us, that's not part of this promise. 2) He changes us from within, enabling us to please Him. We can't be discouraged that living holy, doing good, and being submitted to God are hard things to do. He's reshaping us so it'll be easier and easier, the more we submit to Him.
A) God does nothing randomly or on accident. Even more pointedly, He does everything with purpose. He redeemed me for more of a reason, than for me to just sit on my laurels the rest of the days of my life. When we believe and repent, God saves, but he doesn't put us in a zip-top bag and throw us in a freezer to keep us "saved" On the contrary, He pulled us back out of the trash can (where we essentially put ourselves), because He knew we had a purpose. I need to continually live to honor this Scripture. I need to pursue the "every good thing to do His will," since I know that He equiped me for just such a purpose!
P) Father, thank You first that You saw a reason to save me. Thank You for pulling me out of my own garbage. Also, thank You for rebuilding me, restoring me to Your calling. I thank You, that You'll never ask me to do something that You haven't first empowered me to do. You gave me purpose, then enabled me to do Your will. Holy Spirit strengthen, encourage, and embolden me for just such a good work. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
SOAP 07/15/2011; Hebrews 12:1
Today's reading: Isaiah 22, 23, 24; Hebrews 12
S) " 1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," - Hebrews 12:1 (NASB)
O) This whole chapter is just very, very good. It starts off with a superbly encouraging word, though. The first thing, is that we (hopefully) are surrounding ourselves with a "cloud of witnesses" and we have solid accountability with our church body. We need to be putting ourselves in the position that people can see us, with all of our glaring mistakes. Second thing, we need to sober up and acknowledge the sins that are common to ourselves. Scripture and honest experience shows us that our sins are not unique to ourselves. satan (lower-case "S" to spite him!) would like for us to think that our sins are unique to ourselves and no one would understand if they were exposed. This is a terrible lie and it is what needs exposure. If we know what our common struggle is, then we need to take steps to address it ahead of time, instead of acting like "next time will be different." We need to keep ourselves out of temptation's way. We need to put ourselves in the middle of a "cloud of witnesses" and Snitch on ourselves, like @TripLee116 says. From there, we can then set out on our race, which is a marathon, not a sprint. If a marathon runner stumbles and falls, he does not wallow in his misstep. He gets up, realizing that there is a whole length of race before him, and he regains his pace.2
A) Accountability DOES NOT WORK if you expect other people to hold you accountable. You must hold . You must hold yourself accountable. So first, I need to continue to put myself in that "cloud of witnesses" and hold myself accountable with them. I need to be transparent and accept rebuke, correction, and edification. Second, I need to be honest with myself and God, and that "cloud" about my sins, especially those that easily entangle me, so that I have a practical plan of aversion and I can set aside that encumbrance. Thirdly, I need to be encouraged that when I do fall, it's not the end of my race. It's important to remember that I have my entire life to live out. Even if I near the end of my race, and I fall, I need to realize that it won't nullify the long running I have already done.
P) Father, strengthen me. Most times I hold myself to a very quick, very close accountability, but there are still times when it's hard to confess. Help me lean on my "cloud" and be quick to confess. Help me seek advice and counsel when my plans to avoid sin are failing me. Holy Spirit, continue to remind me of this verse and other Scripture, to encourage me in my down times. Thank you for your mercies, LORD, which are new each day. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
S) " 1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," - Hebrews 12:1 (NASB)
O) This whole chapter is just very, very good. It starts off with a superbly encouraging word, though. The first thing, is that we (hopefully) are surrounding ourselves with a "cloud of witnesses" and we have solid accountability with our church body. We need to be putting ourselves in the position that people can see us, with all of our glaring mistakes. Second thing, we need to sober up and acknowledge the sins that are common to ourselves. Scripture and honest experience shows us that our sins are not unique to ourselves. satan (lower-case "S" to spite him!) would like for us to think that our sins are unique to ourselves and no one would understand if they were exposed. This is a terrible lie and it is what needs exposure. If we know what our common struggle is, then we need to take steps to address it ahead of time, instead of acting like "next time will be different." We need to keep ourselves out of temptation's way. We need to put ourselves in the middle of a "cloud of witnesses" and Snitch on ourselves, like @TripLee116 says. From there, we can then set out on our race, which is a marathon, not a sprint. If a marathon runner stumbles and falls, he does not wallow in his misstep. He gets up, realizing that there is a whole length of race before him, and he regains his pace.2
A) Accountability DOES NOT WORK if you expect other people to hold you accountable. You must hold . You must hold yourself accountable. So first, I need to continue to put myself in that "cloud of witnesses" and hold myself accountable with them. I need to be transparent and accept rebuke, correction, and edification. Second, I need to be honest with myself and God, and that "cloud" about my sins, especially those that easily entangle me, so that I have a practical plan of aversion and I can set aside that encumbrance. Thirdly, I need to be encouraged that when I do fall, it's not the end of my race. It's important to remember that I have my entire life to live out. Even if I near the end of my race, and I fall, I need to realize that it won't nullify the long running I have already done.
P) Father, strengthen me. Most times I hold myself to a very quick, very close accountability, but there are still times when it's hard to confess. Help me lean on my "cloud" and be quick to confess. Help me seek advice and counsel when my plans to avoid sin are failing me. Holy Spirit, continue to remind me of this verse and other Scripture, to encourage me in my down times. Thank you for your mercies, LORD, which are new each day. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
SOAP 07/14/2011; Hebrews 11:6
Today's reading: Isaiah 19, 20, 21; Hebrews 11
S) "6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." - Hebrews 11:6 (NASB)
O) This is, at first, axiomatic. In order to please God, we must believe that He exists. But second, we need to believe that He values our relationship with Him. That's what it means to say that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. God values our relationship with Him. Unless we understand that the relationship is vital, we will not be able to serve Him for long. This is a trustworthy statement I have heard, "Rules without relationship, always lead to rebellion." and this is no more true anywhere, than with God.
A) The writer of Hebrews goes on to list a virtual All-Star team of men of faith from the history of the Bible. Reading through it, I'm reminded of the Sara Groves song, "When the Saints" and I can't help but feel a strong conviction that I want to be listed like this, some where. Not for the fame, or for the glory, but because I want to know that my life can be used for something, long after I'm gone. Faith is like a muscle, the more I use it, the stronger it gets. I need to live according to great faith, if I want my faith to become great.
P) Jesus, just as the disciples asked, I ask for more faith. In the faith they had they performed countless miracles, yet you told them their faith was small. I can only imagine my is smaller. I want that to change; increase my faith. I also know that Your Word increases my faith. Among the other fruit I want my studies to bring, let my Bible study increase my faith in Your name, Jesus. I want my faith to be great, so that I can be greatly used. In Your name I pray. Amen.
S) "6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." - Hebrews 11:6 (NASB)
O) This is, at first, axiomatic. In order to please God, we must believe that He exists. But second, we need to believe that He values our relationship with Him. That's what it means to say that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. God values our relationship with Him. Unless we understand that the relationship is vital, we will not be able to serve Him for long. This is a trustworthy statement I have heard, "Rules without relationship, always lead to rebellion." and this is no more true anywhere, than with God.
A) The writer of Hebrews goes on to list a virtual All-Star team of men of faith from the history of the Bible. Reading through it, I'm reminded of the Sara Groves song, "When the Saints" and I can't help but feel a strong conviction that I want to be listed like this, some where. Not for the fame, or for the glory, but because I want to know that my life can be used for something, long after I'm gone. Faith is like a muscle, the more I use it, the stronger it gets. I need to live according to great faith, if I want my faith to become great.
P) Jesus, just as the disciples asked, I ask for more faith. In the faith they had they performed countless miracles, yet you told them their faith was small. I can only imagine my is smaller. I want that to change; increase my faith. I also know that Your Word increases my faith. Among the other fruit I want my studies to bring, let my Bible study increase my faith in Your name, Jesus. I want my faith to be great, so that I can be greatly used. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
SOAP 07/13/2011; Hebrews 10:26
Today's reading: Isaiah 15, 16, 17, 18; Hebrews 10
S) "26 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins," - Hebrews 10:26 (NASB)
I debated whether or not to use this verse, because it's not particularly new to me, but it is simply too important to not write about it. Besides, it's foolishness to think that any part of The Bible is contemplated too much.
O) Scripture like this makes the concept of "once saved, always saved" seem silly. This verse doesn't mean that if I sin at all, then it's all lost. The phrase "sinning willfully" paints a pretty clear picture. If you've ever had a willful child, you know this attitude. It's an attitude of nonchalance. This whole passage is very clear. If you are careless, willful, nonchalant about sin in your life, then you mock the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross.
A) Now, I want to point out that determining if some one else is "sinning willfully" is nigh impossible and fruitless. While I think accountability is important, I think this verse (as most) needs to be viewed reflectively. In myself, I need to carefully guard my heart and appraise my mistakes. I need to be sure that my attitude toward sin in my own life is one of zero tolerence. I can never be careless about any amount of sin in my life.
P) Father, please forgive me. Please continue to soften my heart toward your discipline and shape me into the man you've called me to be. Never let me become calous or willful regarding sin. Help me to celebrate your forgiveness and rejoice in thanksgiving, so that I am constantly aware of your mercy and grace, and I never take it for granted. Thank you for your sacrifice, Jesus; in Your name I pray. Amen.
S) "26 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins," - Hebrews 10:26 (NASB)
I debated whether or not to use this verse, because it's not particularly new to me, but it is simply too important to not write about it. Besides, it's foolishness to think that any part of The Bible is contemplated too much.
O) Scripture like this makes the concept of "once saved, always saved" seem silly. This verse doesn't mean that if I sin at all, then it's all lost. The phrase "sinning willfully" paints a pretty clear picture. If you've ever had a willful child, you know this attitude. It's an attitude of nonchalance. This whole passage is very clear. If you are careless, willful, nonchalant about sin in your life, then you mock the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross.
A) Now, I want to point out that determining if some one else is "sinning willfully" is nigh impossible and fruitless. While I think accountability is important, I think this verse (as most) needs to be viewed reflectively. In myself, I need to carefully guard my heart and appraise my mistakes. I need to be sure that my attitude toward sin in my own life is one of zero tolerence. I can never be careless about any amount of sin in my life.
P) Father, please forgive me. Please continue to soften my heart toward your discipline and shape me into the man you've called me to be. Never let me become calous or willful regarding sin. Help me to celebrate your forgiveness and rejoice in thanksgiving, so that I am constantly aware of your mercy and grace, and I never take it for granted. Thank you for your sacrifice, Jesus; in Your name I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
SOAP 07/12/2011; Isaiah 11:3
Today's reading: Isaiah 11, 12, 13, 14; Hebrews 9
S) "3 And He will delight in the fear of the LORD,
And He will not judge by what His eyes see,
Nor make a decision by what His ears hear;" - Isaiah 11:3 (NASB)
O) This is a prophetic passage. Isaiah was writing about Jesus, the Messaiah. Delighting in the fear of the LORD is an interesting concept, like the idea of delighting in God's statutes, as Psalm 119 repeats over and over. To be able to have joy from a holy fear is to be in complete submission and humility. The second and third lines are clearly referring to Him relying on the Holy Spirit for discernment and guidence, also a result of complete submission to God.
A) As Christians, we strive to live like Christ. This passage really serves as a model for some of the elements of our spiritual life. First and foremost, I need to be humble before God and keep an attitude that delights in my fear of the LORD. From there, all of my actions should be according to what God wants, not what I want. When He calls me to do something, I cannot rely on what I see or hear on my own, but I need to step out in faith, based on what God is telling me to do. I can't worry about how I think it looks, or what I hear people say about it.
P) Father, I am willingly placing myself before you and choosing your way over mine. I don't want to go through motions, appearing to live my life for you, while I'm really just doing whatever seems right from my own perspective. Help me to rely on you in all of my decisions. Holy Spirit, remind me to pray about everything, and seek the will of the Father in everything I do. Thank you, Jesus, for the example you gave me in how to live a life of complete surrender to the LORD; in Your name I pray. Amen.
S) "3 And He will delight in the fear of the LORD,
And He will not judge by what His eyes see,
Nor make a decision by what His ears hear;" - Isaiah 11:3 (NASB)
O) This is a prophetic passage. Isaiah was writing about Jesus, the Messaiah. Delighting in the fear of the LORD is an interesting concept, like the idea of delighting in God's statutes, as Psalm 119 repeats over and over. To be able to have joy from a holy fear is to be in complete submission and humility. The second and third lines are clearly referring to Him relying on the Holy Spirit for discernment and guidence, also a result of complete submission to God.
A) As Christians, we strive to live like Christ. This passage really serves as a model for some of the elements of our spiritual life. First and foremost, I need to be humble before God and keep an attitude that delights in my fear of the LORD. From there, all of my actions should be according to what God wants, not what I want. When He calls me to do something, I cannot rely on what I see or hear on my own, but I need to step out in faith, based on what God is telling me to do. I can't worry about how I think it looks, or what I hear people say about it.
P) Father, I am willingly placing myself before you and choosing your way over mine. I don't want to go through motions, appearing to live my life for you, while I'm really just doing whatever seems right from my own perspective. Help me to rely on you in all of my decisions. Holy Spirit, remind me to pray about everything, and seek the will of the Father in everything I do. Thank you, Jesus, for the example you gave me in how to live a life of complete surrender to the LORD; in Your name I pray. Amen.
Monday, July 11, 2011
SOAP 07/11/2011; Isaiah 10:15
Today's reading: Isaiah 8, 9, 10; Hebrews 8
S) "15 Is the axe to boast itself over the one who chops with it?
Is the saw to exalt itself over the one who wields it?
That would be like a club wielding those who lift it,
Or like a rod lifting him who is not wood." - Isaiah 10:15 (NASB)
O) Reading a lot of Scripture about the Exile of Israel and Judah tends to feel a little like a downer. While this passage is actually talking about the king of Assyria (whom God was using to punish Israel), it serves as a reminder to be humble. God wants recognition because if we fail to acknowledge Him, we will eventually cease to seek Him. If we cease to seek Him, then we will eventually abandon our relationship with Him. If we abandon our relationship with Him, then we will eventually lose our destiny and inheritence. God has our best interest in mind in everything He does for us. We need to remain humble when he uses us and realize that the work we do is only an extension of the work He does. We need to be like a willing tool in His hand.
A) First, and most obviously, I need to continue humbling myself. I am the creation, not the creator. When God is using me, it feels good. I preached yesterday and it went really well and after service, some people were commending me. In the moment, it's easy to feel like I should take credit. I'm sure the devil would love for me to do just that. I need to constantly remind myself, though, that the wisdom is from God. My ability to communicate well is from God. The very air I breathe, that carries my words, is from God. Second, I need to remember that I am purpose-built. God gives me a lot of leeway to live my life, through free will, but there is still a best case scenario. You don't design a hammer in order to cut wood in half. I need to remember that while I might be able to do certain things through will power or practice, that's still not necessarily what God wants me to be doing and, consequently, that's not where I will feel the most fulfillment and be the most blessed.
P) Father, thank you for crafting me. Thank you for desiring a relationship with me. I acknowledge that I am a tool in your hand, Lord; please use me. Holy Spirit, direct me to be used how I was created to be used. Guide me to the tasks, jobs, opportunities that You want me to take up, not just the ones that seem the best from my point of view. Sharpen me, shape me, mold me into whatever tool you need me to be. I am a willing vassal, God. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
S) "15 Is the axe to boast itself over the one who chops with it?
Is the saw to exalt itself over the one who wields it?
That would be like a club wielding those who lift it,
Or like a rod lifting him who is not wood." - Isaiah 10:15 (NASB)
O) Reading a lot of Scripture about the Exile of Israel and Judah tends to feel a little like a downer. While this passage is actually talking about the king of Assyria (whom God was using to punish Israel), it serves as a reminder to be humble. God wants recognition because if we fail to acknowledge Him, we will eventually cease to seek Him. If we cease to seek Him, then we will eventually abandon our relationship with Him. If we abandon our relationship with Him, then we will eventually lose our destiny and inheritence. God has our best interest in mind in everything He does for us. We need to remain humble when he uses us and realize that the work we do is only an extension of the work He does. We need to be like a willing tool in His hand.
A) First, and most obviously, I need to continue humbling myself. I am the creation, not the creator. When God is using me, it feels good. I preached yesterday and it went really well and after service, some people were commending me. In the moment, it's easy to feel like I should take credit. I'm sure the devil would love for me to do just that. I need to constantly remind myself, though, that the wisdom is from God. My ability to communicate well is from God. The very air I breathe, that carries my words, is from God. Second, I need to remember that I am purpose-built. God gives me a lot of leeway to live my life, through free will, but there is still a best case scenario. You don't design a hammer in order to cut wood in half. I need to remember that while I might be able to do certain things through will power or practice, that's still not necessarily what God wants me to be doing and, consequently, that's not where I will feel the most fulfillment and be the most blessed.
P) Father, thank you for crafting me. Thank you for desiring a relationship with me. I acknowledge that I am a tool in your hand, Lord; please use me. Holy Spirit, direct me to be used how I was created to be used. Guide me to the tasks, jobs, opportunities that You want me to take up, not just the ones that seem the best from my point of view. Sharpen me, shape me, mold me into whatever tool you need me to be. I am a willing vassal, God. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
SOAP 07/10/2011; Micah 7:9
Today's reading: Micah 5, 6, 7; Hebrews 7
S) "9 I will bear the indignation of the LORD
Because I have sinned against Him,
Until He pleads my case and executes justice for me.
He will bring me out to the light,
And I will see His righteousness." - Micah 7:9 (NASB)
O) To stand before God when you know you are guilty, takes courage. There is comfort in knowing that we will be forgiven, but it's difficult nonetheless. This passage has a forshadowing of the redemption Jesus gave. We have a just God, but He also desires to plead our case, to show us mercy. By Jesus taking our guilt upon Himself, God is able to plead our case and execute justice. From there, we have sweet freedom to walk shamelessly in the light and see His righteousness. It all hinges on our willingness to bear God's indignation.
A) This application is really simple - just do it. Humble myself, put myself before the LORD, ask and find His forgiveness. From there, keep myself in His light, and seek His righteousness.
P) Father, I'm sorry for the things that I've said and done that were wrong. Please forgive me. I repent of my selfish ways. I want to live my life according to what You want, not what I want. I realize that my mistakes carry consequences, God; please help me through them. Thank you for mercy and grace. Help me walk in the righteousness You have given me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
S) "9 I will bear the indignation of the LORD
Because I have sinned against Him,
Until He pleads my case and executes justice for me.
He will bring me out to the light,
And I will see His righteousness." - Micah 7:9 (NASB)
O) To stand before God when you know you are guilty, takes courage. There is comfort in knowing that we will be forgiven, but it's difficult nonetheless. This passage has a forshadowing of the redemption Jesus gave. We have a just God, but He also desires to plead our case, to show us mercy. By Jesus taking our guilt upon Himself, God is able to plead our case and execute justice. From there, we have sweet freedom to walk shamelessly in the light and see His righteousness. It all hinges on our willingness to bear God's indignation.
A) This application is really simple - just do it. Humble myself, put myself before the LORD, ask and find His forgiveness. From there, keep myself in His light, and seek His righteousness.
P) Father, I'm sorry for the things that I've said and done that were wrong. Please forgive me. I repent of my selfish ways. I want to live my life according to what You want, not what I want. I realize that my mistakes carry consequences, God; please help me through them. Thank you for mercy and grace. Help me walk in the righteousness You have given me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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