SOAP 12/10/2011; 2 Timothy 3:16

Today's reading: 2 Timothy 1,2,3,4

S) "¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,"

2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

O) All of the Bible is God-breathed. I like the NIV because of that phrasing. The word "inspire" (used in the NASB translation) has its roots in the same word for "spirit" and "breathe" which is why we see the dual-translation (God-breathed or inspired). I like the imagry of the NIV translation, though, because that's what it's like when God is speaking through us. It's like God is breathing words directly into us. Furhermore, "all" does not mean "some" or even "most" but it means that there is nothing excluded here. This is especially important regarding the Old Testiment, which many Christians under-value. There can be no doubt, though, that it is also useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. God hasn't changed just because the covenant has, and studying the OT is an amazing way to become familiar with who God is, how His personality is, and how to please Him; not from the standpoint of avoiding sin, but from the standpoint of blessing Him more directly.

A) There are a lot of verses that remind me to keep doing what I'm doing. This verse isn't new to me, but it's no less crucial for not being news. It's no less vital, because I already know it. I need to continue to place a considerable value on the Word. I think this process of reading every day and journaling is already producing more character in me, but I want it to do more. I think, as I close out this first 6 months, I need to start looking ahead at really meditating more on the Word, and not just the study. I need to dwell on it throughout the day. Part of that will be to get to journaling earlier in the day, allowing more time for that contemplation. Also, I need to slow down when I read. Sometimes I'm treating the Bible more like a history book, still worth studying, than I am the living Word of God, worth absorbing. If God were to open His mouth right now, and speak audibly in my ear, would I respond the way that I do after reading the verses marked out in my devotional? Brief contemplation and then a short essay? I can no longer read the Bible, or study the Bible, I need to hear the Bible. I need to breathe the Word.

P) Father, help me appreciate Your words, God. I want to do more than consider them. I want to live and die by them, as Jesus instructed us. Your word is the bread of life to me. Holy Spirit, breathe the words of the Father into me. Help me dwell on them throughout my day. Help me meditate on the words as I read them, and long after I've read them. I want Your Word to be planted deep in my heart, God, in fertile soil, so that it bears fruit in my life, namely righteousness. I don't just want to avoid sin, I want to do good things to bless Your heart. I want my life to please You wholly. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/09/2011; 1 Timothy 6:7-8

Today's reading: 1 Timothy 5,6; Titus 1,2,3

S) " ⁷ For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. ⁸ If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content."

1 Timothy 6:7-8 (NASB)

O) The message of this passage is simple living and contentedness. This is a reminder that being a content person is not a personality trait, but rather a very conscious decision. Keeping an eternal perspective, and realizing that our life on earth is temporary sets the tone for accepting present circumstances and choosing to be content.

A) I'm generally content but I have my moments of materialism. I suppose the fact that this verse jumped out at me is a testiment to the fact that the last few months or so I had noticed a more discontent attitude in myself. I had already begun to address that issue in my heart, but this is a good reminder, especially around Christmas. Not only do I want to set this straight in my own heart, but it's important to me to set the tone and culture for my family. Again, especially around Christmas, it's vital that I'm walking as a good example of a content heart.

P) Father, thank You for humble beginnings. I know that I dealt with a lot of envy and greed growing up. A large issue of pride was based on the misconception that I had somehow pulled myself out of the financial chaos in which I was raised and had managed to create a stable life for myself. While I've learned through Your Word that I must be financially responsible, I've also learned that everything on earth is temporary. I want to have financial resources as a means of blessing others, not as a personal security. Holy Spirit, continue to remind me that my financial security, and all my securities, are found in Christ alone. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/08/2011; 1 Timothy 4:13-16

Today's reading: 1 Timothy 1,2,3,4

S) "¹³ Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. ¹⁵ Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. ¹⁶ Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you."

1 Timothy 4:13-16 (NIV)

O) My number one goal as a husband and parent, is for my wife and children to make it to heaven. This passage is addressed to Timothy, as a young pastor needing encouragement to lead his congregation, but all of the principles in it apply directly to leading a family, also. Public reading of Scripture and exhortation and teaching are crucial in raising children. While the evidence of progress isn't necessarily motivation with family, it's still important to focus a lot of attention and energy to these things. The last verse is crucial, though. No one will respect a leader who doesn't do what they, themselves, are saying. The old, "Do as I say, not as I do" statement never flies with kids.

A) There's a bit of a laundry list of things to do in this passage. I think the issue of integrity, as mentioned in verse 16, is already a priority for me. It's still important to check myself often, but that's not necessarily a change to make, just a reminder to keep on... Not neglecting my spiritual gifts as a father, is a somewhat new notion to me. I need to approach parenting with the same sort of preparation, prayer, and participation that I do every other ministry. While my kids may never see my progress as a father, I'm sure Kristin will. I may never know who else may be encouraged or inspired by my progress, either, so I need to ensure that I'm making progress. The biggest application of this passage will come through verse 13. I need to organize a way to hold Bible studies, home worship, and prayer with my kids. It needs to be regular, consistent, and serious (even if it's scaled down for the kids at this age). I'm going to work this out with Kristin tonight.

P) Father, thank You for equiping me for marriage and parenthood. I don't want to neglect my giftings or responsibilities, Lord. Holy Spirit, reveal to me an effective way to minister to my family as a whole, and to minister to my family individually. The most important thing is to ensure their salvation, God, so help me be an effective leader for them, pointing them toward the cross of Your mercy and grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/07/2011; Colossians 4:12

Today's reading: Colossians 1,2,3,4

S) "¹² Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God."

Colossians 4:12 (NIV)

O) THIS!! This is what it means to fight in prayer! Laboring earnestly, praying with great concern, urgency, fervor, and passion - this is how to battle in the spiritual. The NIV says, "wrestling in prayer" and it really is that kind of struggle.

A) My freshman year of H.S., I thought I was going to try out for the wrestling team. I had a pretty good core strength and I my physique was compact. I showed up to the first practice and the coach told us we were going to warm up with a two mile jog. I quit that same day. The hardest part of prayer, especially effective, fervant, striving prayer, is stamina. I need to build stamina by doing a little more at a time, each time, consistently keeping up my discipline and slowly pushing myself bit by bit.

P) Father, help me develop a plan. I want to work on praying more effectively, more fervantly, and with persaverence. Holy Spirit, continue to lead me in prayer, giving me the words to speak when I don't know what to pray. Please bless my spirit with stamina, helping me to stay focused on the greater good, while in the middle of my wrestling matches. Anoint me when I fight. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/06/2011; Philippians 4:5

Today's reading: Philippians 1,2,3,4

S) "⁵ Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near."

Philippians 4:5 (NIV)

O) Too often, manhood is measured by the ability to intimidate. Men in our culture mistake aggression for confidence, they mistake violence for strength. They mistake silence for stupidity, they mistake gentleness for weakness. Our King, though, is described as a lion and a lamb. Being a man is more than exerting strength and imposing will. I think every man has a gentle side, because we are made in the likeness of God; I believe our likeness to Him is in spirit, as much as appearence. The most life-altering moments I've had with God didn't come when He struck me down, or broke me with His strength. The most impactful, meaningful times I've had with God were when I was vulnerable and already broken and struck down. He quietly lifted me up, put me on His shoulder, cleaned up my mess, and then reassembled my shattered heart with His careful, patient, slow, and gentle hands.

A) As a father of 2 girls, I am fully aware of the need to use gentleness. Will they obey me if I am scary, aggressive, violent, and strict? Yes. Will they grow up fearful, uncertain, distant, and resentful? Probably. It's pretty easy for me (and most men) to realize that gentleness is a necessity when raising girls. As a father of a boy, I am much less aware of the need to be gentle. It's not that I don't recognize that need, but it's admittedly harder to recognize when the need arises. Like so many other things, I need to rely on the Holy Spirit, and the discernment I have through Him, to recognize when my son needs my gentle hand and when he needs force. Certainly, I know that he will need to test his own strength against mine (he's really burgeoning into that phase now, at 4 and a half), and I need to give him a hard edge, against which he can sharpen himself, but my gentleness needs to be revealed to him. My daugthers need to be able to trust and rely on my strength to protect and provide. They need to know that I will use my strength for their security, but I need to present them with a gentleness that comforts with those same strong hands. These are all parallels to how God handles, leads, raises, disciplines, and loves us as our heavenly Father.

P) Father, the best way for me to reflect Your combination of strength and gentleness is to know Your strength and gentleness. Reveal Your nature to me, God. Lead me, so I can lead them. Holy Spirit, direct me well. Open my ears to hear and my eyes to see, so I know when to use force and when to be gentle, with each of my children, and even with my wife. I want to be a righteous king that glorifies You, God. As my children grow up, I pray that they are easily able to relate to You as their heavenly Father, because I have done well as their earthly father. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/05/2011; Ephesians 5:3

Today's reading: Ephesians 5,6; Psalms 119:1-80

S) "³ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people."

Ephesians 5:3 (NIV)

O) This became a life-verse to me as soon as I read about it in the book, Every Young Man's Battle, by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker. There is a very strong line drawn, a very high standard used, with the verbage used in this verse. I used the NIV version, because that word, "hint" is so concise and definitive. It makes it very easy to answer questions regarding sexual immorality. Is it ok to watch this movie? Well, is there even a hint of sexual immorality in you watching it? If so, then no. Is it ok to go into a store that sells lingerie? Well, is there even a hint of sexual immorality in you being in that store? If so, then no. The biggest issue with this sort of purity test, though, is that it's always going to be a matter of the heart. There's no outward sign that there is a hint of sexual immorality (or other impurity, or greed). The NASB translation says these things shouldn't be "named among you." This is a good barometer for some one who is honestly trying to gauge their own heart. If some one saw you doing it (whatever "it" is), could they name it sexual immorality, impurity, or greed? If so, then don't do it. That's somewhere in the neighborhood of "better safe than sorry." The main reason I'm less keen on that translation, though, is that we shouldn't exactly use the behavior of others as our moral barometer, even in the name of being overly careful.

A) Here's the best application, I think: Instead of trying to define the borders, the outer limits of holiness, and how far the boundries can be pushed and what, exactly, falls on each side of that line... I need to concern myself with finding the center of purity. People like to say that the world isn't black & white (which I contest, but that's a different argument). They say there is a lot of gray area in our world. I say that I need to stay out of the gray areas of purity and live in the clean white areas. I need to keep myself pure in such a way, that if some one saw my every move, I wouldn't need to explain myself in anyway. That is pure white, no gray area.

P) Father, forgive me for my sins. Thank You for Your mercies, Lord. I know that the battle for purity, all kinds of purity and not just sexual purity, is a life-long battle. The fight never really ends because my enemies, satan and my own flesh, will never let up. Holy Spirit, strengthen my hands, just as You strengthened Nehemiah's. I need to fight and not grow weary in my battle. Help me recognize it as a battle and fight with honor. Remind me of the people for whom I am fighting... that it's not just myself that faces the consequences of failure, but that my purity means blessings or curses to my wife and children. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/04/2011; Ephesians 4:25

Today's reading: Ephesians 1,2,3,4

S) "²⁵ Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another."

Ephesians 4:25 (NASB)

O) This passage is in the context of unity among believers, so it's not talking about malicious deception. This passage is talking about the Christian F-word: Fine. Jon Acuff has a funny blog entry about it here, and it really sums up this verse. If we're really thinking of ourselves as one body, the body of Christ, then we're not helping ourselves or anyone else by glossing over our problems. Most people will quickly agree that it's unhealthy to keep secrets from a spouse. If you're struggling with a sin, or having financial problems, some other kind of trouble - it would be utterly foolish to hide something like that. Why? Because your spouse is one flesh with you. They are blessed as you are blessed and hurt when you are hurt. The same is actually true with the body of Christ! Sure, practically speaking it's less direct, but it's no less true! If something is wrong in your life, whether a sin, or tragedy, or affliction, or trial, etc, then it's going to hurt your ability to be an effective member of that body. Now, maybe this effect is lessened if you were already "dead weight" but I'm sure no one reading this falls under that catagory ;)

A) This certainly becomes more impactful as a member of church staff. If I'm struggling with a sin, that's going to affect my capacity for ministry. If I have issues that are draining me emotionally (like some kind of family chrisis) then it will affect my ability to minster effectively (distracting, exhausting, etc). It's hard to be honest, though. Sometimes it's guilt, sometimes it's that I don't want the attention, sometimes it's that I don't want to "be a bother," but ultimately, I can't afford to be "fine." The only fix here is to hold myself accountable to church members in bold faith and unadulterated truth. I'm going to immediately follow up this post with some text messages...

P) Father, I need courage to be more honest with my brothers and sisters. I don't often think of this as a lie, I suppose. It seems less like a lie sometimes, and more like an "interpretation" of the word "fine." I can't keep that up, though. Holy Spirit, help me be bold in my confession/requests. Sometimes I need to be vocal about my deficiencies; sometimes I need to be a snitch. Convict me in those moments, God, to be honest with my brothers and sisters, my church body. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/03/2011; Romans 14:19

Today's reading: Romans 13,14,15,16

S) "¹⁹ So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another."

Romans 14:19 (NASB)

O) I don't think enough attention is paid to this sort of command. It's hard to establish and maintain peace with one another, even as Christians. Despite the vast agreements in basic dogma, there are still plenty of details that cause dispute, or at least difference of opinion. I think, too often, we dismiss how others might think or feel in the name of "I'm not trying to please other people." Consideration is under-valued, and I don't think this changes when looking at believers and non-believers.

A) I'm guilty of this as often as anyone, I'm afraid. I have the blessed grace to be married to the most considerate person I've ever known, though. God knew what He was doing, even though I didn't know what He was doing, when He created my wife. I've learned a lot about the value and importance of consideration through the simple process of puting myself in the mindset of another person. Some of that, I'm sure, simply comes with age; however, a big part of my progress has been sheer effort. Unfortunately, I don't know if I qualify as a considerate person, but I am trying to improve that. I need to remember, first of all, that it's simply a command I must obey. Beyond that, though, I need to remember the value of being considerate. The gospel is cast in a poor light without consideration. Compassion can be easily misunderstood or mistaken without consideration. Offense and pain can be avoided through consideration. Friendships can be nurtured - even healed - through consideration. The list goes on and on. Remembering all these things is helpful in pursuing peace and building up others, being considerate.

P) Father, continue to soften my heart, God. I want to be humble and put the thoughts and feelings of others ahead of my own concerns, or selfish apathy. Holy Spirit, give me discernment to avoid offense and frustrations. Give me wise words to speak and help me say them in the best possible way to avoid misunderstandings and hurt. Even in cases when I have to instruct or correct, lead me so that Your purpose is done according to Your will. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.