SOAP 09/24/2011; Luke 7:37-38

Today's reading: Ezra 1; Psalms 84,85; Luke 7

S)"³⁷ And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, ³⁸ and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume."

Luke 7:37-38 (NASB)

O) So, first of all, the term "who was a sinner" is a polite way of saying the girl slept around. I mean, that sounds crude, but there's really no way to beat around the bush. The footnote in my Bible is even a little bit watered-down, in that it says "an immoral woman." So, the second thing that occured to me is that the alabaster vial of perfume may not have been... kosher. i.e., it seems quite likely to me that one of her gentlemen callers may have produced this perfume for his lady-friend... So, enter this woman, in all of her brokenness and shame, desperate for forgiveness, and she brings the only thing of value that she has, which may actually have been an ill-gotten gain. So, she does the only thing she really can, she takes the lowly position to wash the feet of Jesus, offering what may be the best thing she has to offer.

A) Often times, when I'm dealing with sin, I start feeling shame build up. Whether it's a slow, sort of unnoticed feedback of shame, or a heavy brickload that lands squarely on my chest, the end result is that I'm extremely reluctant to enter God's presence again. I begin to dread the thought of coming to God to offer Him anything at all, by way of an offering, whether it's worship, praise, tithe, or even a simple contrite heart. I need to take a serious encouragement from this woman, in the truest sense of that word. She had crazy-courage to come before the Lord and offer her modest offering; she couldn't have even been sure that Jesus would forgive her. I do, however, know full-well that Jesus will - even has! - already forgiven me, before I ever even attempt to come before Him! Even if my tears start in bitter shame, I need to force myself to my knees before God and offer Him all I have, until those tears inevitably turn to tears of joy, at knowing His mercy, kindness, compassion, and grace.

P) Father, I am unworthy! Thank You for offering Jesus to take my punishment, God. You deserve everything and I have nothing but things I've been given, tears of regret, and unabashed worship. Holy Spirit, strengthen me to force myself before the LORD, offering whatever I can. I will love much because I have been forgiven much. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/23/2011; Luke 6:26

Today's reading: Daniel 11,12; Luke 6

S)"²⁶ Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way."

Luke 6:26 (NASB)

O) This can be a tough truth. It's almost like saying that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is... if everyone around you seems to like you, there is probably at least 1 lie happening. At the least, it's either that you're lying to others so that they will like you, or they are lying to you, and they don't all like you. In any case, you have some soul-searching to do if everyone seems to like you. Externally, when you meet some one and it seems like everyone likes them, it's cause for alarm. This passage reminds me of politics. Everyone putting on a smiling face, when there is rotten truth under the whitewash...

A) I do my best to be peaceable and ammenable, but I also try not to think too much about whether people like me. I can sometimes even take that a little too far, in that I will embarass my wife, or I've unintentionally offended people where there was no cause. There is some balance to find, between being polite and telling people what I think they want to hear. I can never hide the truth, certainly, but I also must take care with how I say things. The Bible says in several places that the way we say things can be just as important as what we're saying (Proverbs 26:18-19, Ephesians 4:15). Letting the Holy Spirit lead me is crucial to this learning process.

P) Father, just as Jesus did, I want to speak Your truth. But, also like Jesus, I don't just want to say the words You'll give me, I want to say it how You want me to say it. Holy Spirit, lead me in my relationships with people. I never want to avoid the truth; there are tough things that must be discussed sometimes. I always want to present the truth in the best possible light, though, God. Like a quarterback throws a catchable ball, I want to be sure that what I have to say is receivable. I know that doesn't mean that everyone will accept it, but it means I've done everything I can. From there, God, help me be comfortable with knowing that some will not have good things to say about me afterwards. I need to be okay with the idea that not everyone will like that I am speaking the truth. Give me strength, wisdom, courage, and peace in this. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/22/2011; Luke 5:11

Today's reading: Daniel 9,10; Psalms 123; Luke 5

S)"¹¹ When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him"

Luke 5:11 (NASB)

O) Just a few verses before this, Jesus directs Simon to cast his nets over, despite the fact that Simon and his boys had been fishing all night with no draw. They obey, though, and pull in such a huge haul that they cannot pull it in with a single boat and they call their partner boat over to help. The netted fish are so many, they threaten to sink the boats. At this amazing miracle and blessing, Simon is overwhelmed and falls to his knees before Jesus, overcome by his awareness of his unworthiness. Then, we get to the verse above. So, he goes from seeing such an amazing miracle that he is moved to repentence and submission. Then, moments later, what was just seen as such a huge miracle, is left on the shore as worthless. Simon just went through some seriously accelerated learning at the hands of our Lord, Jesus Christ. This would be like God blessing us with a house, and then us realizing through that miracle, that we should be missionaries.

A) I've never really seen that quick sequence for what it was. There was such an immediate growth in Simon, by being in the presence of Jesus and seeing Him move. So, if I want that kind of growth, I need to expose myself to the power of God and let Jesus teach me what's truly important. When we made the move to Redding to be Youth Pastors, it came with an accelerated growth period. In the span of about 3 months, I felt like I had almost "caught up" on several years I had missed with God. I need to keep an open mind with God, as we pursue our next ministry. Our time in Redding is about to come to an end, and I think I need to take a cue from Daniel, with what he just did in the begining of Daniel 9 (prayer, fasting, and repentance).

P) Father, don't let me miss Your lessons. Send the Holy Spirit to truly counsel me, Jesus. I want to be sure that I'm learning the what You're teaching, and not simply taking a blessing at its surface level. Forgive me of my sins, and at the same time, God, I will fast and pray. Reveal to me the plan You have. Instruct me and lead me into the next area of my life. Help me lead my family according to Your will, God. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/21/2011; Psalm 137:4-6

Today's reading: Daniel 7,8; Psalms 137; Luke 4

S)" ⁴ How can we sing the LORD’S song
In a foreign land? ⁵ If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
May my right hand forget her skill. ⁶ May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth
If I do not remember you,
If I do not exalt Jerusalem
Above my chief joy."

Psalm 137:4-6 (NASB)

O) I'm going to let Trip Lee expound on this, but I love music. There was a time, though, when I was playing music only for myself. I was not worshiping God at all. Those were selfish, angry, prideful, jealous, and miserable times. Since I've begun serving God again, I can't imagine going back to music that is so separate from Him. This passage really does speak my heart. God has given me talent to praise Him with my drumming and I'd rather lose that talent than waste it on meaningless music. Even more simply, though, I never want my love for music to supercede my love for the LORD.

A) Acknowledgement, humility, and purpose. Those are the keys to holding myself to the above passage. First, I need to acknowledge that any skills that I have (drumming, teaching, headstands) are from the LORD. Second, in that acknowledgement, I need to lay down my crown at the throne of God and declare that I choose His will over mine. More than a musician's manager, He will be the Manger of my entire life. Third, I need to use my skills to serve Jesus Christ. I need to be active in the church and not sit idly on the gifts God has given me.

P) Father, how can I make music if not for You? I will not forget You, God, or else send Your Holy Spirit to remove all skill that I might have. If I am failing to acknowledge Your sovereignty in my life, LORD, then remove my ability to even sing, God! If I ever put my passion for music above my passion for You, Lord, then humble me however You see fit, Father. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/20/2011; Daniel 6:10

Today's reading: Daniel 5,6; Psalms 130; Luke 3

S)"¹⁰ Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously."

Daniel 6:10 (NASB)

O) Eventually, serving God will become outlawed. I hope I don't live to see the day that reading the Bible, worshiping, and praying to Jesus Christ becomes literally unlawful, but there is a possibility. Certainly, there are aspects of Christianity that are bordering on illegal, even now. There are two keys to this verse. First, is simply that Daniel was not swayed by the ruling against what he knew to be right (or, enforcing what he knew to be wrong). That's obviously the important part, as it was what indicted him. The second part mentioned, though, is the last line, "as he had been doing previously." Daniel was prepared to serve God despite persecution.

A) In the end times, there will be many who turn away from God and abandon their faith. That will come from deception and confusion, but also from intimidation and fear. Even well before reaching such dire straights as having to resist taking the mark of the beast (Revelation 13, 14), simply maintaining integrity in the current American culture is becoming harder and harder. As time goes on, it becomes increasingly important to build a foundation, and build fundamental disciplines as much as possible. For that matter, forget what may or may not be legal or acceptable; just considering when a trial may come, I will be much more able to handle a catastrophe (emotional, financial, physical, or other) if I am grounded in the classic disciplines like regular prayer, Bible study, fasting, worship, communion, giving, etc.

P) Father, in Hebrews 12:11, Your Word says that no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but later it produces righteousness and peace. God, I want that discipline. I want you to shape me and everyday, I will commit myself into Your hands to be molded as You see fit, Lord. Holy Spirit, help me become habitual in the disciplines of God, like Daniel, so that when trials and tribulations come, I will be able to withstand them. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/19/2011; Luke 2:10-11

Today's reading: Ezekiel 47,48; Luke 2

S)" ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; ¹¹ for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'"

Luke 2:10-11 (NASB)

O) IT'S CHRISTMAS!!! See? This is the best of all Christmas movies!!!

Okay, now that I have that out of my system, there is an actual scripture to evaluate, here. First of all, the angel tells them not to be afraid. Was that just because it was bright in the night? Or, was he lion-faced? But, beyond that, the angel tells them that there is a Gospel, Good News. I find that a little ironic, as both words (angel, gospel) have roots in the same word (Gk: euangelion). It's almost redundant in that sense. It's like saying the messanger has a message... anyway, that Good News is that our Savior has arrived. That does, indeed, bring great joy and it is, thankfully, for all people. What an amazing experience it must have been, to be among the very first to know this amazing information. I love to share cool things - good music, great television shows, excellent movies - and I can only imagine how great it must have been to be that first person to know, and get to tell everyone, that Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah, has arrived.

A) It's hard to share the Gospel in America, with some one who has never heard of Jesus. The difficulty, is that there are a lot of preconceived notions about what this Gospel really is. There is a lot of misinformation circulating. God the Father is full of love (not just Jesus), as we see in John 3:16 and Romans 5:8. Also, "believing in Jesus" is not really the end of it, we also have to obey Jesus, as we see in John 8:31 and 2John 1:9. Also, getting into Heaven isn't the end of the Good News; it's just the beginning of it! God blesses the here and now, as we see in Psalm 27:13 and John 10:10. Really, it goes on and on, but the bottom line is that I want to set the record straight with people. Sometimes, I feel like more people would accept Christ, if only they were shown the truth of the Gospel. I recently heard this excellent, simple breakdown:
          "love God..love one another. sin harms. thats why its wrong.
           be kind. forgive as your Father forgave."

P) Father, thank You for Christmas. It really is the best day ever, that first day. Without Jesus, I literally had no hope; I had zero chance to make it into Heaven, since I wasn't born through Israel. But, You redeemed me, God. You sent Jesus because You wanted to adopt me. I can never thank You enough; I can never repay You. Having said that, LORD, I want my response to Your love to be living my life to honor You. Help me be ever-bold in my presentation of the Gospel. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/18/2011; Luke 1:45

Today's reading: Ezekiel 45,46; Luke 1

S)"⁴⁵ And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord."

Luke 1:45 (NASB)

O) So, I never realized this, but when the angel, Gabriel, visits both Zacharias (father of John the Baptist) and Mary (mother of Jesus), they have a similar, but opposite reaction. Zacharias doesn't believe and is struck mute; Mary believed and Gabriel simply leaves. But then here, Elizabeth points out that Mary will be blessed for her belief. There is specific blessing in our immediate acceptance of God's word. When He speaks to us, we need to choose to believe. You'd think that if it's an angel delivering the word of the Lord, it would be easier to accept, but that's obviously not true. A life-long, faithful, blameless man of God was unable to find the faith to believe Gabriel.

A) If it's not the present circumstance (having an angel deliver the message) that will convince, it seems to me that belief of God's word comes down to a decision, really. Obviously, there is evidence to weigh, but ultimately, if the must-have-been-impressive Gabriel was not, on his own, able to convince the priest Zacharias, then I'm going to have to make a decision to believe; I'm not going to be compelled to belief. So, I will choose to believe now. Reading the Bible regularly will give me a "taste" for the truth, also. It's much easier to discern God's voice when you're accustomed to reading it.

P) Father, I'm choosing to believe You know. You know, God, if I will ever need a visit from an angel; but if I ever have that experience, LORD, I want to determine now that I will believe. Holy Spirit, continue to give me faith and the courage to believe. I will choose to obey You then, LORD, from right now. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 09/17/2011; Ezekiel 44:30

Today's reading: Ezekiel 42,43,44; Revelation 22

S)"³⁰ The first of all the first fruits of every kind and every contribution of every kind, from all your contributions, shall be for the priests; you shall also give to the priest the first of your dough to cause a blessing to rest on your house."

Ezekiel 44:30 (NASB)

O) Just previous to this verse, God explains that the priests are not to have any possessions or inheretance outside of Him. God wanted their complete and undivided attention. It's incredibly difficult to forsake God, when you literally have no other means outside of Him. God's not trying to make endentured servants out of His priests, though; God is trying to show them that He is the only blessing they'll ever need. On the flip side, the command to everyone else is to take care of their priests! It's easy to think, "Oh, well, God will take care of him." But it's important to remember that a large part of how God takes care of His priests is to provide for them through His other people. The follow-up to this, is that God also offers us a reward, a promise, for blessing them; God will bless the giver as well.

A) I have had (and taken) the oppotunity to bless some pastors directly. In both tangible and timely ways. While I'm sure there was a longer-term "investment" in my contribution to them, I really just felt crazy-blessed in the moment itself. I really have been feeling a pull on my heart to bless my pastors directly, lately. I don't want to neglect my regular tithing, but I want to really investigate and pray about this idea of blessing my pastor more directly with offerings. I know that my pastor and his family give up a lot, A LOT, for the sake of our church body and church building. They also put their trust in God, and not in man, but I'd still like to help them. It would take other sacrifices in my life, but even as I type this out, I feel like God is nudging me toward this. I will pray about this, not just so that I will be blessed for my contribution, but even more, so that my pastors, whom I appreciate SO MUCH for their years and years of service, can also be blessed for their contributions.

P) Father, give me strength, courage, and wisdom to know how to execute these extra blessings, God. I know that my money, even after tithing, is still not truly "my money" and I never want it to begin feeling that way. So, I don't want to think of this so much as additional sacrifice to You, God, but more like obedience, as a steward of what You've given me. Holy Spirit, convict me if or when I get materialistic. I will humble myself quickly, so that I may respond to Your direction sooner than later. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.