SOAP 11/26/2011; Matthew 25:37-40

Today's reading: Matthew 23,24,25

S) "³⁷ Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? ³⁸ And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? ³⁹ When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' ⁴⁰ The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'"

Matthew 25:37-40 (NASB)

O) Any sort of compassionate efforts we do, in the name of the Lord, we are doing it as if it were serving the Lord directly. That's an important element to remember as a motivation and also to get past some reservations about helping. When presented with an opportunity to bless, minister, feed, share, contribute, or otherwise help some one, it's important to remember that it's an opportunity to bless God directly, and treat the situation that way.

A) It's easy to start wondering about my impact when I have a chance to bless some one. Are they just going to use my money for booze? Are they just taking advantage of me because I'm a Christian, and they know "I should"? Will they be grateful? Will I be compensated? Will my efforts really make a difference in the long run? - All of this is irrelevant, though. Will it bless the person, and therefore bless God? Yes. That's the only answer that matters.

P) Father, help me to look past any prejudice or bias, to see opportunities to bless You. Holy Spirit, present me with opportunities and encourage me to take those chances to bless others. Help me put others ahead of myself, regardless of my own perceptions. I want to honor You in how I treat others, taking every opportunity to bless others, and bless You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 11/25/2011; Matthew 20:25-26

Today's reading: Matthew 20,21,22

S) "²⁵ But Jesus called them to Himself and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. ²⁶ It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant,'"

Matthew 20:25-26 (NASB)

O) There is a misconception that the Biblical authority structure of a marriage and family is sexist, oppressive, and archaic. The truth is, however, that the Bible never allows for shovanism. It never promotes any kind of abuse of power, imposition of will, or "lording over" a wife or children. If a man wants to walk in the authority that God lays out in the Bible, then he needs to serve his wife and kids. He needs to put them first, ahead of himself. This extends also to other ambitions. It's a tricky balance. While it's okay to want advancement in a career or ministry, it cannot be a pursuit of power or authority.

A) I've discovered that I have very little career ambitions. I seldom want to be in charge and I'm content making "enough" money. With my wife, I seldom feel like I need to exercise my authority, because I'm blessed with such a submissive wife. She pursues righteous obedience to me in a way that honors God supremely and makes me want to be a better husband. The biggest area for improvement is probably with my children. It's a little trickier with them, as I need to be a little strict and they still need to learn about authority and obedience. At the same time, though, I cannot let my enforcement of my authority become a burden to them, and I need to ensure that it's always about helping them become better people, and seeing God through me. As their father, my goal is that they will grow up and have an easy time relating to God as Father, because of their experience with me. How I conduct myself in love, compassion, grace, mercy, and authority will go a long way in their understanding how God is as a heavenly Father.

P) Father, every moment of each day, I want to be a clear reflection of You for my children. Help them grow up seeing parallels between how I behave as their father, and how You are as our Father. Holy Spirit, continue to direct, correct, and instruct me to be the father I am meant to be for my children. Help me walk in my God-given authority with honor, integrity, and respect. Lead me, so I can lead them. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 11/24/2011; Matthew 19:29

Today's reading: Matthew 17,18,19

S) "²⁹ And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life."

Matthew 19:29 (NASB)

O) It's kind of a funny thing, that even Christians need this kind of motivation sometimes. It's a hard thing to serve God with your entire life. It takes perpetual self-sacrifice, humility, commitment, patience, devotion, trust, etc. I think it's kind of amazing that God knows His children and decides to motivate them in such a way. I know that philosophy about whether or not there are unselfish acts... I don't think it really matters, though. The real question is, who is benefiting more from the action, and are you doing what is right - regardless of your motivations.

A) When I moved my family to Redding, to become a youth pastor with Kristin, I didn't leave my brothers and my wife's family, and our new condo, and our friends, in order that I would be rewarded with the same things later. I was, however, very comforted in knowing that God understood how difficult it was, and knowing that He does promise that I will not lose those things, but eventually will regain them, and more, like Job. Remembering that God has promises to reward my sacrifices makes it easier to commit to serving Him completely.

P) Father, thank You for all of these promises, LORD. Help me keep them in mind when I have to make tough choices to obey You. Holy Spirit, thank You for leading me with convictions of righteousness. I want to continue to make just decisions and obedient choices, when it comes to the direction of my own life, my marriage, my family, and my ministries. Use whatever motivation will work, God. Whether promises of rewards, warnings of punishments, or anything in between; do what it takes to get me and my family to heaven, and to bless us here on earth. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 11/23/2011; Matthew 16:24

Today's reading: Matthew 14,15,16

S) "²⁴ Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.'"

Matthew 16:24 (NASB)

O) Following Jesus takes commitment. Denying ourselves means putting our own interests aside and seeking God's interests instead. Taking up our cross is not about wearing a necklace or getting a tattoo. It means that we are accepting our death sentence. This life is temporary and we need to value our life only as far as it can be used by God.

A) In all honesty, I think I do a better job of taking up my cross, than I do of denying myself. In the larger things of my life, I am able to easily give them over to God. I will live where He wants and work where He wants... but in the little things, I don't think I deny myself as often as I maybe should. Consistent fasting is one of the more obvious ways of denying myself, and I've been doing a fairly good job of that. I also feel like I do a fair job of sacrificing for my wife or family. But, do I deny myself of my own desires, simply as a way of conquering my flesh and honoring God alone?

P) Father, I put my life in Your hands, God. I concede that You know what I need, what I should be doing, and what is best for myself and for others. In the greater things, I give up control of my life for Your will. But, Holy Spirit, help me sacrifice little things and my little desires, as an act of honoring You, LORD. Strengthen my resolve and remind me that those acts of self-denial are commanded and I need to obey. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 11/22/2011; Matthew 12:25

Today's reading: Matthew 11,12,13

S) "²⁵ And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, 'Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.'"

Matthew 12:25 (NASB)

O) I mentioned Sun Tzu's "divide and conquer" technique on my 11/11/11 blog entry, and again the concept appears a little more directly in Scripture here. Jesus is refuting the idea that He's an agent of evil; since He's giving people freedom from evil spirits, how can He be evil? This principle has a broader application, though. Is it any wonder at all, that so many husbands and wives suddenly find themselves fighting on a Sunday morning on the way to church? Is it any wonder that ministries are so often ended over some kind of dispute between members of leadership? Satan wants to divide every holy unity, whether a marriage or a ministry partnership (or any other righteous purpose between two believers).

A) If I am going to continue to view my family and household as a kingdom, then I need to protect it as if it's a kingdom. As important as the walls are around a city, it's equally important that the people inside are unified. Even more devastating than any outside wars, is a civil war. I simply cannot afford to be divided with my wife or with my children. That doesn't mean that I give in or roll over at their every request; I still need to uphold what is right. I do, however, need to be aware that the devil would like nothing more than for there to be division within my family. I need to do everything I can to maintain peace and unity. So far, communication seems to be the single most important element that I need to protect.

P) Father, I know I have my own responsibility in protecting this kingdom You've given me, but let me start by confessing that I cannot do it alone. Please continue to protect my kingdom in ways I cannot. Please continue to heal us each individually of any hurts that have persisted between us. Even in my children, who are still young, please restore my unity with them and restore their unity with Kristin. Thank You for my beautiful marriage and the unity I've always enjoyed with Kristin. Holy Spirit, continue to give me discernment to see the spiritual workings of any incidents. Help me maintain this kingdom of Yours. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 11/21/2011; Matthew 9:36-38

Today's reading: Matthew 8,9,10

S) "³⁶ Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then He *said to His disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. ³⁸ Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.'"

Matthew 9:36-38 (NASB)

O) There are uncountable numbers of hurt, broken, desperate people in this world. The power of God, the name of Jesus Christ, the Spirit of the LORD holds freedom, heeling, purpose, and hope for a world that has no answers of their own. People may know the name of Jesus, but I feel like so many do not actually know who He is. In America, I feel like His name is famous, but His character and identity are misunderstood. Worldwide, it's amazing to realize that there are places who still have never even heard His name.

A) As a Christian, I have to be sure that I am, first, properly representing our Lord. Second, I need to be a worker myself, to bring the Gospel to people who need it. Third, I need to literally pray that more Christians will take up their mission and work in the Lord's harvest. I know that there will always be people with ears that do not hear and eyes that do not see, but that's a syptom of a hardened heart, so I can also pray for God to remove their hearts of stone, and give them hearts of flesh. The Gospel is more immediate than escaping hell. Jesus came to set people free from their bondages here and now. He came to heal their bodies here and now. He came to bind up the broken hearted here and now.

P) Father, use me. I want to be a faithful worker in Your harvest. Anoint my work so that it is effective for Your glory. Holy Spirit, draw on the hearts of other believers in Jesus' name. Fill them with compassion that prompts them to action, so they will enter the harvest. Soften the hearts of this hurt world, God. Open their eyes to see and their ears to hear, so that they can receive Your gospel of freedom, healing, and hope. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 11/20/2011; Matthew 5:27-28

Today's reading: Matthew 5,6,7

S) "  ²⁷ You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’; ²⁸ but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

Matthew 5:27-28 (NASB)

O) First of all, purity goes beyond sexual topics, so this passage can really be applied to a number of sins. Jesus is piercing the heart with these verses. Purity starts within, as a heart condition. It's one thing to recognize beauty, but it's another thing altogether to fill your eyes, take a mental picture, undress with your eyes, or anything else that is along those lines. It's worth noting that the physical consequences are certainly different, but the spiritual effects are not necessarily any less for adultery of the heart, than for adultery in the flesh.

A) Accepting this verse went a long way in holding my freedom from pornography. Ed Cole was right, though; I can only look at women lustfully by denying this verse. It's a sobering thought to consider that by looking at pornography, or anything close to it, my wife has the right to consider it adultery, and therefore has grounds for divorce! That's just plain scary!  It's humbling that my wife has forgiven me for so much infidelity in my past. Applying this verse is all about reminding myself of it as often as I can. I think it's a concept that cannot be over-emphasized.

P) Father, please forgive me of my sins. Holy Spirit, remind me of this verse even more often than I am tempted. Help me take deliberate measures to meditate on this verse so that it is not easily dismissed. Thank You for changing my perspective on purity. Thank You for healing my marriage and my wife for my infidelity. Let me act with integrity and honesty and purity of heart.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.