SOAP 10/28/2011; Job 19:29

Today's reading: Job 19; Mark 1,2

S) "²⁹ Then be afraid of the sword for yourselves,
For wrath brings the punishment of the sword,
So that you may know there is judgment."

Job 19:29 (NASB)

O) The very first thing that came to mind with this verse, is disciplining my children. I've explained to Ella, (because she can handle a little more reasoning) that the difference between punishment and discipline is whether or not it includes instruction and learning. What would otherwise simply be a punishment, becomes discipline, when the judge includes corrective instruction and the guilty person learns a lesson. So, when I think of this verse with a more eternal mindset, it makes a lot of sense and I thank God for it. He doesn't want us to face final judgement without first having accepted His mercy through Jesus Christ. He is a righteous God, though, and His justice is pure. So, I think He let's us feel some of His punishment here on earth, while we can still be disciplined by it, so we will realize His final judgement is real. I can't imagine anyone serving God if they never saw His sword. Why serve a God you don't fear? My children would not obey me in the slightest if they did not know punishment (discipline). On the other hand, we are disciplined by the punishment He administers, so that we can avoid eternal judgement and a punishment that is final.

A) I need to thank my dad for spanking me when I was a child and I need to thank God for letting me feel temporal judgement and punishment, so I can be disciplined by Him as the good Father He is. I need to carefully examine the struggles I face, so I can inquire of God to know what lesson He may be trying to teach me. Any lesson God determines is worth teaching, is a lesson I should learn! I also need to remain consistent with the discipline I instill in my own children.

P) Father, open my eyes to see and ears to hear, God. I don't want to miss the lessons You're teaching. Holy Spirit, speak to me the will of the Father, so I can continue to learn Your ways, O LORD. Your ways are perfect and Your statutes are good. You have a worthwhile discipline that brings life and not death. Soften my heart, that I might humbly come before You and seek Your purpose, even in the middle of hardship. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/27/2011; Acts 28:21-22

Today's reading: Job 18; Psalms 114; Acts 27,28

S) "²¹ They said to him, 'We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. ²² But we desire to hear from you what your views are; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.'"

Acts 28:21-22 (NASB)

O) Well, well, well; all of the fuss and worry and pleading with Paul, begging him not to go to Jerusalem, it all turned out for naught. So, he goes to Jerusalem, the Jewish leaders breathe murderous threats, he appeals to Caesar, as is his right as a Roman citizen by birth (a fact I only recently learned, despite having read through Acts in its entirety before this last few weeks), makes very, very long journey to Rome, and his accusers have made no progress is continuing their attempts to kill Paul. Whether they gave up, assuming he had died at sea (I could imagine that), or their efforts were otherwise thwarted by God and the record of those happenings were simply not recorded... the bottom line is that Paul was safe. Furthermore, what might have seemed, at the time, as his only way to secure his life (the appeal to Caesar), it turns out that was part of God's plan for Paul to bring the Gospel to the Roman Jewish community (having heard something of the "sect" but not enough to be convinced).
Side note: that's not the first time Jewish leaders referred to Christianity as a "sect" of Judaism, but that's a funny way of seeing it, given today's religious climate.

A) So, the first lesson - listen to my convictions, even when respected men of God say it seems like a bad idea. I'm all for taking wise counsel, but I need to have faith in my ability to hear from God also. So, if I'm feeling particularly convicted about a decision, I need to go with it (Paul was unmarried and had no kids, so it must've made those daring decisions a little easier for him, but still...). Second lesson - always keep the eternal focus of spreading the Gospel. Paul was out of the woods, out of trouble. They said they'd received no word about convicting him, so he was freed of their persecution. Instead of packing it up, he lays it out again! Putting his very life on the line again, he exposes his neck to proclaim the Gospel to a group of people just like the last group that wanted to kill him, for the exact same testimony. I should be so bold.

P) Father, I know that Paul had the freedom of not having a family, so he could be a little more daring with his faith; he says as much in his later epistles. At the same time, God, I want to be bold like that. I know I always have to reflect on my decisions, to consider the impact they'll have on my wife and children, but I pray that I can execute Your will with the same conviction. Thank You, God, that my You created marriage so that I can always be in one accord with my wife. I pray that we are always hearing You clearly, so that if, or when, the really tough decisions come, we will have confirmation and unity with eachother, as to what Your will is, Lord. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/26/2011; Acts 26:28-29

Today's reading: Job 17; Acts 24,25,26

S) "²⁸ Agrippa replied to Paul, 'In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.' ²⁹ And Paul said, 'I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains.'"

Acts 26:28-29 (NASB)

O) In some translations, King Agrippa's reply is stated a little more like a question. That makes Paul's response fit a little more. Paul believed in the power of the Gospel so much, that he didn't feel a need to add to it. He didn't need to tailor it to the person with whom he was speaking. He knew that simply telling his story, letting his life and testimony speak for itself, would be enough. It's only a matter of time... except for the chains. lol

A) Like Paul, I need to be bold with my testimony about the miracles I've seen and the power of God in my life. I need to be willing, even, to take on chains like he wore. I can't be afraid, even in the face of death, to speak what I know is right. With some people, I have more time than others. I know the Holy Spirit will work through me, in however much time I have.

P) Father, use my life and testimony to show other people Your grace and mercy, God. I want my life to reflect the Gospel and I want to wear my heart on my sleeve for this. Holy Spirit, embolden me to be open and honest with people. I don't want to be pushy; I want to be honest. If they're convinced, however long it takes, then I'll be happy, because they'll find the same freedom and hope and joy that I've found in You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/25/2011; Job 16:4-5

Today's reading: Job 16; Acts 21,22,23

S) "⁴ “I too could speak like you,
If I were in your place.
I could compose words against you
And shake my head at you.
⁵ “I could strengthen you with my mouth,
And the solace of my lips could lessen your pain."

Job 16:4-5 (NASB)

O) Job is frustrated because he's looking for comfort, but his friends are acting more like scoffers. He points out that he could do the same thing in their place. By contrast, he also points out that he could comfort them, too. As I read this, it almost seems like there's a missing "it would be easy to..." in front of verse 4 and in front of verse 5 it seems it should be prefaced with something like, "but it would be better if I..." He's definitely pointing out that one is more helpful than the other, but I think there's an undertone that shows it's more difficult to do the latter.

A) There are certainly going to be times when God wants me to speak up and say something along the lines of a rebuke. I also know that there are times when a warning is needed, too. I've been in the uncomfortable position to do both. Having said that, there is also a time, I think, where I don't have to find the root cause of some one's pain. I've seen people hurt by their own mistakes, and even been confused about how the disaster or tragedy fell upon them, but I think sometimes it's best to leave that part alone - at least at first. Sometimes, I think there is a lot of comfort, solace, encouragement and strengthening to be done, before beginning the process of sorting out how a person's life has become a mess.

P) Father, You know what's needed and when. Holy Spirit, lead me as I minister to people. Whether that's my kids, or some one I'm mentoring, or a brother, help me to see with Your eyes, to know if I should be showing them where they went astray, or if I should simply be focused on lifting their spirit. I want to help people in Jesus' name, God. I want to magnify You in the work that I do. I want people to see that You are a good, real, practical God - because of their time spent with me. I want to be a positive reflection of You, Lord. So, let me be an effective tool in Your hands, mending where mending is needed, or dissecting where dissecting is needed. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/24/2011; Acts 19:30

Today's reading: Job 15; Acts 19,20

S) "³⁰ And when Paul wanted to go into the assembly, the disciples would not let him."

Acts 19:30 (NASB)

O) So, we'll never really know what would have happened, had Paul been allowed to go in and defend Gaius and Aristarchus, but I fell like I have a pretty good idea. Seems like the crowd would have turned even more violent, to the point of bloodshed. I think Paul himself would have been fine, actually. As you read through Acts and some of his other accounts of his ministry, it's clear that God kept Paul alive on several occasions; however, somehow I think maybe Gaius and Aristarchus would have died. Obviously, you could argue that God could have resurrected them, but also, God could have prevented it from escalating that far, if He keeps Paul out of that particular skirmish.

A) I describe it as a skirmish, because that's really what it was. Spreading the Gospel is spiritual warfare (see Ephesians 6:10-20 for a clear illustration). I know the expression, "Choose your battles." but I seldom think of it, as it can apply to ministry opportunities. Don't get me wrong, the lazy side of me needs no excuses not to minister sometimes. But, other times, I feel like I want to do it all. I feel like I'm living that Relient K song, I Just Want You To Know. It's not that I want to have my way and impose my beliefs, but if I have information that will enrich marriages, improve parenting, and reconcile people to a freedom and peace they didn't know they were missing, then of course I want to share that. Or I want to give all of my money to some one who needs money; or I want to go on every mission trip ever; or sponsor every child World Vision has; etc, etc, etc. But I can't do it all. I'm not supposed to do it all. Who knows, even trying to exert myself in ministries where God doesn't actually want me, could hinder other happenings... Again, as a Christian, I should always be doing something. I just need to remember that I can't do everything.

P) Father, first of all, never let me become spiritually or practically lazy. Holy Spirit, burn within me and push me to action in some ministry or another. But in those moments when my heart breaks for some one, and I want so much to do something, remind me that it's not always my place. Draw me into Your counsel in those moments and lead me, Holy Spirit. In the more long-term, planned ministries, help me take wise counsel and carefully consider the cost, as Jesus said in Luke 14. Help me be wise, patient, and prayerful about ministry, Lord. Most of all, help me be active, as You lead me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/23/2011; Acts 18:24-28

Today's reading: Job 13,14; Acts 17,18

S) "²⁴ Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. ²⁵ This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; ²⁶ and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. ²⁷ And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, ²⁸ for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ."

Acts18:24-28 (NASB)

O) Apollos is absolutely one of my favorite men in the New Testament. He is the embodiment of the value of education and, in the few times he shows up, I am impressed by his character development. The first thing we see here, is that he's from Alexandria, a very well-educated city. Then, we see he's an eloquent man. So, he's a good speaker, probably very charismatic. The next thing we see is that he was "mighty in the Scriptures." Further evidence of a good education, and specifically, a good education in God. After that it says he was fervent in spirit and bold in his public speaking, having heard about John the Baptist, showing his deep convictions. Then, Priscilla and Aquila come and fill him in about Jesus, so he remains teachable, too. Then, he gets himself over to Achaia to help the brothers there, by teaching them and leading by example, as he debated with the Jews, refuting them publicly, proving Jesus is the Christ, according to Scripture. He was educated and charismatic, but not lazy, so he applied that to study of the Scripture. Through that, his passion and convictions drove him to proclaim the truth without hesitation. He remains humble enough to be taught further about Jesus, and he is helpful through his ability to teach, and also because he still walks the walk, and doesn't just talk the talk.

A) My Apollos Creed: gain a general education; don't neglect your talents; educate yourself in the things of God; follow your convictions; remain humble and teachable; help others; spread the Gospel. I want to follow this same, basic outline. I graduated from H.S. well enough. Now that I've recognized and used my talents as a teacher and youth pastor for 4+ years, and I continued my education of the things of God, I want to show humility and show myself as teachable, as I pursue further education, so that I can help others and spread the Gospel even more.

P) Father, I place my life in Your very capable, very secure, hands, God. I know You've given me gifts and talents for specific purposes, Lord, and I want to honor that. Holy Spirit, continue to humble me, any time I am not humbling myself, so that I can be taught the deeper things of God. I know that I cannot understand Your every mystery, but never let that stop me from my pursuit of You and Your goodness, and understanding as much of it as I can. My ultimate passion is to help people, help marriages, be reconciled to You, through You, so that they can receive the Gospel and Your hope and destiny. Help me fulfil this call. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.