SOAP 12/02/2011; Romans 11:19-21

Today's reading: Romans 9,10,11,12

S) "¹⁹ You will say then, 'Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.' ²⁰ Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; ²¹ for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either."

Romans 11:19-21 (NASB)

O) Paul uses an olive tree to represent the people of God. Here, he says that there were branches of Israel that were broken off for unbelief and in their place, gentiles were able to be grafted in by their faith. It is foolishness, however, to think that we will be saved forever since we are called sons of God. Just as the first believers of God have lost their place in Him, we also can lose our place in Him.

A) There was a very specific command given in the middle of this passage, "Do not be conceited, but fear;" I need to keep that central in my mind as a believer. Humility is a lifestyle, not a personality. It's learned behavior. I can either learn because other branches were broken off, or I can learn because I am broken off. I don't have to read the Old Testament to see men of God lose their ways; there have been plenty of cautionary tales in the last 10 years alone. Being humble is not the same as self-deprication or self-doubt. I can acknowledge who I am within Christ, as long as I remember who I am without Him.

P) Father, thank You for the grace You've given in calling me Your son. It's beyond my comprehension that You would sacrifice Your only Son for me, when I was wretched, filthy, guilty, and shameful. Thank You for wanting me. Holy Spirit, remind me that I am nothing without grace. I can be removed from the tree if I am not obediently believing and faithfully serving. Help me to know my place among the branches and be thankful for everything, even my own belief. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/01/2011; Romans 8:5-8

Today's reading: Romans 5,6,7,8

S) "⁵ For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. ⁶ For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, ⁷ because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, ⁸ and those who are in the flesh cannot please God."

Romans 8:5-8 (NASB)

O) How important is a correct mindset? It's of the utmost importance! Controlling our thoughts is one of the most difficult and most important disciplines of being a Christian. Having our mind in the correct perspective is absolutely crucial! If we are not able to reason in our minds that God's law is good, then we are never going to be able to sustain obedience. From that acknowledgement comes the realization that whatever we have a mind to do, we will do. It's like that old saying, "Whether you think you can, or you think you cannot, you're right."

Edit (12/02/2011): I had one more thought I meant to write last night. If people consider that divorce is an option when they get married, they're incredibly more likely to become divorced. But, if they're setting their minds from the beginning to never even entertain the thought of divorce, then that's one less danger to the life of their marriage. Taking it further, if the couple is constantly setting their mind on God, and acknowledging how they are blessed through their marriage, then they are honoring God, valuing their spouse, and giving life to their marriage.

A) This verse makes it painfully clear that it is absolute foolishness to allow my mind to entertain thoughts of sin. Not only is it as simple as making it more likely that I'll slip up, but it's actually sowing seeds of hostility toward God directly. It's very helpful to create reminders to proactively, forceably, and purposely set my mind on God, and on the Spirit. Sticky notes with reminders of righteous principles, reading the Word earlier in the day so I can meditate on the Scriptures throughout the day, even the clothes I choose to wear can all be helpful tools to keep my mind on the Spirit and subjecting my flesh to God's will.

P) Father, Your law is good! I declare that Your words are life to me and Your will for my life is the best possible course my life could have. I want to continually subject my life to Your rule, Lord. Holy Spirit, help me to place my mind on You throughout the day, forsaking my sinful flesh and the desires of its lusts in all its deadly forms. Remind me that sin still leads to death and it is no trifling matter. Thank You for freedom and continued maturity and growth, God. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 11/30/2011; Romans 1:16-17

Today's reading: Romans 1,2,3,4

S) "¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ¹⁷ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.'"

Romans 1:16-17 (NASB)

O) Between the first 4 chapters of Romans, there were plenty of verses that stood out. Ultimately, though, this is a life-verse for me. The key to sharing the gospel is to recognize the power and gift that the gospel truly is! It's amazing, phenominal, epic, earth-shattering, life-alterring news! Have you ever done something wrong? You don't have to go to hell! In faith, we're given righteousness as a gift! Why would we ever keep that a secret?!

A) It would probably surprise people who know me, to hear how often I've been intimidated about sharing the gospel. To overcome this, I really need to meditate on the key I mentioned above. The gospel is amazing grace. It's undeserved mercy in the face of pure guilt. Remembering my own faults, the mire from which God has removed me, the muck that He has cleaned off of me, will fuel my courage to share the gospel boldly. Staying in the Word will help too (Paul was SO BOLD throughout his ministry in Acts!).

P) Father, please bless Lecrae and all of the people in the 1-1-Six Clique. They're truly inspiring to me. I never want to be ashamed of the gospel, for any reason. Holy Spirit, strengthen and encourage me to be proactive, making a point of sharing the gospel regularly. Help me recognize the treasure I have and value it for what it is. You got the grace amazing, help me wear that on my sleeve. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 11/29/2011; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Today's reading: 1 Thessalonians 4,5; 2 Thessalonians 1,2,3

S) "¹⁶ Rejoice always; ¹⁷ pray without ceasing; ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB)

O) I've heard a lot of Christians complain about not being able to hear from God. Or complaining about not knowing the will of God for their lives. The funny thing is, though, that so many Christians neglect the written words of God. If we aren't attentive to what God has already shown us, should we be surprised at all that we're not hearing His further instruction? In this passage we have a very clear directive for God's will for our lives, yet so many Christians still act like they've been left directionless.

A) If I'm ever in a place that I'm having trouble discerning God's will for my life, I need to return to these basics.
1. Be joyful. I have every reason to have joy. No matter what else happens in this life, I don't have to go to hell. I have hope of a life everlasting. It takes effort to be rejoice; joy is not an emotion.
2. Pray. It's easy to lose focus or drive when I feel like I'm not hearing from God. I need to continue pressing on in prayer. "without ceasing" doesn't mean that I'm continually talking to God, but my dialogue with Him needs to remain open at all times. It's like when teenagers are on the phone - they aren't always speaking, but they're still "talking" to their bf/gf. I need to be on the line with God, even if I'm not actually speaking, and I'm not exactly hearing Him - I still need to be listening.
3. Thank Him. This one can be the most difficult, especially if I'm feeling distant from God in the first place. Thankfulness is a deliberate act and sometimes it takes some real stretching. That may actually be the biggest testiment to thankfulness, though. If, in my heart, I want to be thankful, so much, that I'm looking for any reason to give thanks to God, then I'm heading in the right direction.

P) Father, I want to do Your will. I want to want it, as well. I know sometimes it's easy to lose focus or perspective. I know that if I'm not attentive, it's also easy for me to allow distance to grow between us. Thank You for helping me these last 5 months, to be consistent in my study of Your Word, and my devotion in prayer. Holy Spirit, continue to speak to me, through the Word, or other people, or directly, and give me discernment to know the will of the Father. Strengthen me and encourage me and embolden me to carry out that will. I want to be an action figure in Your hands, God. Let my heart be ever joyful, open, and thankful. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 11/28/2011; 1 Thessalonians 1:5

Today's reading: Matthew 28; 1 Thessalonians 1,2,3

S) "⁵ for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake."

1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NASB)

O) It is difficult to share the gospel from afar. I recently read a great quote from Lecrae, "You can impress people from a distance, but if you want to impact them get up close." The gospel can only mean so much in a span of 5 minutes. If you can show people the effects of the gospel over time, show them how you've been affected by it, then it can make an impact. I can simply tell people that God loves us and offers forgiveness and can change us, but it makes a bigger impact if I take the time and opportunity to show people that God loves us and offers forgiveness and changes us, using myself as the first-hand example.

A) Relationship evangelism is my favorite way to show people the gospel. In order to show people how God's grace, mercy, and love have changed my life, I need to make my life available to other people. I have to live according to God's Word, being 100% honest about mistakes and shortcomings, and showing people who I am in Christ. I'm a sinner saved. I've been made new. I make mistakes, but they don't ruin or doom me. I can walk in compassion, mercy, grace, and love, because God has given me these things. It takes vulnerability to share the gospel this way. Will it hurt sometimes, getting close to people and having them still reject the gospel? Yes. Will it be worth it? Every time.

P) Father, give me opportunity to share the gospel in the most intimate, impactful way. Help me take risks with people, by letting them see me and my family personally. Help me invest in others so they can see You through us. Holy Spirit, give me courage to reach out to people, braving the most harsh rejections to reach even one person willing to see the Truth in my life. For the people who are already in my life, who still need to see the gospel for what it is, God open their eyes to see and their ears to hear, so they do not miss You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 11/27/2011; Matthew 27:19

Today's reading: Psalm 125; Matthew 26,27

S) "¹⁹ While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, 'Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.'"

Matthew 27:19 (NASB)

O) This passage is significant for two main reasons. The first, most obvious reason, is that Pontius Pilate did not heed this advice, but instead gave Jesus over to the Pharisees for crucifixion. The second significant thing about this passage, is that the advice was coming from his wife. There are a few things to point out about that. First, this was during a time when women were not equals to men. Even a wealthy, "powerful" woman was only partially considered a Roman citizen. They were not allowed to hold civil/political office. So, she had to overstep a very clear boundry to tell Pilate her advice on this matter, especially with such difinitive finality; she left no room for interpretation or debate about her opinion. Second, she must've known how much of a long-shot it was to even mention her dream, but clearly God had left such an indellable impression, that she was simply overwhelmed by her conviction to speak up. Third, I think that God, because He values and blesses marriages even outside His own people (the principle of "one flesh" predates His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), I think He knew that speaking through Pilate's wife was the best shot at getting Pilate's attention. Certainly, Jesus was going to be crucified no matter what, to fulfill the prophecies, but I truly think that God was trying to allow Pilate a way to escape guilt; an escape he failed to take.

A) First of all, I live in a culture that values women much more than the Romans did, although sexism and all of its negative connotations, still exists. Furthermore, I personally hold my wife in the highest regard. Even before returning to God and serving Him together with Kristin, I valued her intelligence and insights (but, without a doubt, I value her much more since we've been ministering and serving the Lord together). Specifically, I now realize that she has a much different wisdom and insight than I do. She also has quite a few spiritual gifts that I lack (evidence of our perfect balance and match for eachother!). Even in my general respect for her in these ways, I still need to make careful, deliberate decisions to consider her advice and opinions regarding all things concerning our lives and the lives of our loved ones. Even if she doesn't feel such a strong conviction about something, as Pilate's wife felt, her counsel should be one of the first that I seek.

P) Father, thank You for giving me a wife that is such a blessing to me. I cannot imagine my life without her and I feel grateful everyday that You allowed us to become one, in pure grace, since we weren't even actively submitted to You at the time. It is pure grace that I have her; an intelligent, considerate, compassionate, insightful, and wise wife. Holy Spirit, continue to speak to me directly, the will of the Father. Whether through dreams, or the Word, or my wife, help me be alert and aware of Your voice. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.