SOAP 06/30/2012; Titus 2:9-10

Today's reading: Amos 7, 8, 9; Psalms 104; Titus 2      
S) "⁹ Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, ¹⁰ not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect."
     

Titus 2:9-10 (NASB)
     

O) This verse jumped out at me with the idea that being a bondslave, at this time, had a lot of similarities to being an employee in corporate America. I mean, I know that it was much more severe then, as being a bondslave was much more like our own shameful history of slavery in this country, but it has parallels in that the bondslaves of that time were actually more like employees, and it was for a set time (or amount of debt) and, more importantly, as a Christian, our attitudes should be the same (a Christian employee compared to a Christian bondslave).
     
A) There are obvious exceptions (like anytime I am told to do something unrighteous), but otherwise, as an employee, my attitude should be one of subjection to my employer's authority over me. I should be well-pleasing to my employer, and avoid arguments. Stealing in the workplace is common, and stealing time has even been a problem for me (through laziness/slacking). Ultimately, I need to remember that I am representing the LORD, and I should do it well in every respect, especially at work.
     
P) Father, Your goodness to me still astounds me. Your grace and favor upon me is truly humbling. With You, I am underqualified and overpaid, so I want to honor You with every part of my life. Holy Spirit, rebuke and admonish me to work in a way that brings honor and praise to Your Name. Bring work to my hands and, through that work, let me glorify You, LORD. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/29/2012; Titus 1:9

Today's reading: Amos 4, 5, 6; Psalms 86; Titus 1
    
S) "⁹ holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict."
     

Titus 1:9 (NASB)
     

O) Titus, it's worth noting, was in a position of authority. Paul left him to oversee some of the local churches. As a leader, it's important to know the ins and outs of sound doctrine, firstly, to know how we ought to live. But secondly, there's also another element of properly representing our faith. I think a lot of Christians know what they believe in a general and difficult-to-describe, sort of way. It's not that they're wrong, and they might live their whole life serving God well and being fruitful, but if they cannot express the principle beliefs they have, at least in principle, then that person will have a hard time maintaining any form of leadership.
     
A) I need to be sure I am, not just able, but actually doing, leading my family in learning sound doctrine. Especially with my children, going to public school (Caleb will be starting this fall), I need to keep a close eye on the things they're learning, and be sure that I am putting things in perspective with our beliefs. This seems especially true with sciences, as it seems our current world (both believers and non-believers) have a hard time reconciling the two (faith and science), but I firmly believe science points to God, if the perspective is correct (see Romans 1:20).
     
P) Father, You have opened my eyes and given me wisdom I could not attain on my own. Continue to reveal Your world, Your plan, Your knowledge to me. Holy Spirit, lead me in the timing of leading my family, and give me the words to speak so that they will receive it and learn well. Let me both exhort them, and refute the contradictions they hear. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/28/2012; Amos 3:7

Today's reading: Amos 1, 2, 3; Psalm 80; 2 Timothy 4

S) "⁷ Surely the Lord GOD does nothing
Unless He reveals His secret counsel
To His servants the prophets."
     

Amos 3:7 (NASB)
     

O) This is such a compelling statement. Here, the LORD is doing something major and Amos is prophesying about a calamity that will come, even against the LORD's people, but in general, it's an intriguing statement. God tells His people before acting. How literally can this be taken? There isn't much room for interpretation. Even if we wanted to say it was only true concerning "major" things, that's still enough to make me want to seek the voice of the LORD everyday, really.
     
A) Even if this is only true for the big things, how much more important is it that I am seeking the LORD daily? And if it is truly applicable to everything the LORD does, then I should seek Him even more earnestly. Thankfully, this is a time when the Spirit of the LORD is poured out on all flesh, and by the blood of Jesus, I have been sanctified and we can all commune with Him intimately enough that He actually speaks to all of His children. It's up to me to put mysef in position, and to atune myself, to hear His voice.
     
P) Father, thank You for the compassion You show Your people. Holy Spirit, speak to me of the things to come, especially the things You will do in the future. Show me my part, my place in it; let me do Your will. Open my ears to hear and my eyes to see, so I do not miss it. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/27/2012; Joel 2:12-13

Today's reading: Joel 1,2,3; 2 Timothy 3   
     
S) "¹² 'Yet even now,' declares the LORD,
'Return to Me with all your heart,
And with fasting, weeping and mourning;
¹³ And rend your heart and not your garments.'
Now return to the LORD your God,
For He is gracious and compassionate,
Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness
And relenting of evil."
     

Joel 2:12-13 (NASB)
     

O) Repentance is often about coming to the realization of the goodness of the LORD. There can be no fooling Him, though. Going through the motions of repentance will not bring His salvation. We can't simply appear to have repented. He wants to see a heart that is broken for Him. Then He can take us up to redeem us.
     
A) It's amazing to me how, if I dwell on the goodness of the LORD for 5 to 10 minutes (if I can manage that kind of distraction-free time), it will usher in His presence. In that holy atmosphere, I become acutely aware of the sin in my life, even the hidden sins. The truly amazing thing, though, is that it's not the awareness that brings guilty, shameful feelings; that's not His way. It's an awareness that makes me want to turn from it in grateful, sincere repentance. I am able to then forsake myself and my own sinful desires. It is truly a continual process, though. So, I need to do just that: continue. I will continue to rend my heart before the LORD, so He can restore me to the man I am called and created to be.
     
P) Father, You are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and relenting of evil. Forgive me of my sins, LORD. Break my heart for the things that break Yours. Then piece it back together as You would have it. Holy Spirit, show me my sins. Make me aware of every hidden fault, so that I can lay it before the cross of my savior. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/26/2012; Jonah 4:4

Today's reading: Jonah 1,2,3,4; 2 Timothy 2
     
S) "⁴ The LORD said, 'Do you have good reason to be angry?'"
     

Jonah 4:4 (NASB)
     

O) The LORD is omniscient, so anytime He's asking a question, you can bet it's rhetorical and designed to get us to think about the answer, before we actually answer. To me, this one question is the whole point of the book of Jonah. It really hinges on the word, "good" that the LORD is using. He's essentially asking if Jonah has any right to be angry.

I used to think Jonah was simply throwing a fit because the LORD was forcing him on a journey that, in his own eyes, didn't need his participation. Kind of a lazy, almost existential attitude of, "What's the point of me going, God?" But, over the years, I came to realize that Jonah suffered from, what I like to call, "The Jonah Complex" I don't think Jonah was angry about being forced to go on this journey. I think he was angry because he didn't want the people of Ninevah to receive mercy from the LORD. He couldn't bear this idea that the LORD would show lovingkindness to some one else (non-Hebrew, that is). He mistakingly thought that he had exclusivity with the LORD.
     
A) This Jonah Complex still exists today. I see it among Christians a lot. I see it with kids who are serving God without their parents, and then when their parents do get saved and start serving God, they feel like they don't want to share Him. I see it with divorced couples who are bitter when their ex finally submits to God after years of denying His sovereignty. I've seen it with the families of a victim, when the guilty person repents and finds mercy and redemption in Jesus. There are myriad reasons why this Jonah Complex might develop in a person, but ultimately, the Bible warns about being angry. It says in Ephesians 4:26, that we are to be careful when we are angry and I think the best way to do this is to ask myself this question God posed to Jonah, "Do I have a good reason to be angry?" Most of the time, I think the answer to that question is a reluctant, "... no..."
     
P) Father, You have healed my heart of many hinderences. You gave me freedom from anger over so many issues. You've healed me of a bitter, hard, dying heart. Continue to call all of my emotions, not just my anger, into question. Holy Spirit, test my emotions often to determine if my heart is pure in them. Help me be honest with You and honest with myself, so that I find peace once again. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/25/2012; 2 Kings 13:18-19

Today's reading: 2 Kings 13, 14; 2 Chronicles 25; 2 Timothy 1
     
S) "¹⁸ Then he said, 'Take the arrows,' and he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, 'Strike the ground,' and he struck it three times and stopped. ¹⁹ So the man of God was angry with him and said, 'You should have struck five or six times, then you would have struck Aram until you would have destroyed it. But now you shall strike Aram only three times.'"
     

2 Kings 13:18-19 (NASB)
     

O) This is definitely the attitude of the Father, so many times. God will bless us according to level of our own effort sometimes. Ultimately, He's our Father, and as Jesus said in Matthew 7:11, He wants to bless us with good gifts. Often times, our blessing is truly only limited by our own imagination or hope. The biggest point, perhaps, is that when God tells us to do something, we need to ask before stopping.
     
A) So, when God gives me an instruction, a mission, I need to strive to do it completely or ultimately. I don't ever want to limit what God is giving me by my laziness or apathy. It also cannot be missed that asking God for clarification or definition isn't always a bad thing. Had the king asked Elisha for wisdom, as to what it meant when he struck the ground, he might have struck the ground until he dug through the floor!
     
P) Father, You bless me with good things, eternal things. Open my eyes to see all Your blessings. Increase my faith to un-limit what I expect from You. When You give me instruction, Holy Spirit, strengthen me to continue in obedience, even when I am weary. Increase my ambition in You. .Increase my wisdom to understand why I am to do a task, according to Your will. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/24/2012; 2 Chronicles 24:17-18

Today's reading: 2 Kings 11,12; 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6
     
S) "¹⁷ But after the death of Jehoiada the officials of Judah came and bowed down to the king, and the king listened to them. ¹⁸ They abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols; so wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their guilt."
     

2 Chronicles 24:17-18 (NASB)
     

O) There is that old adage about giving a man a fish and teaching a man to fish, and the same thing is true of the things of God. If a person is only ever told what to do, spoon-fed the instruction of the LORD, but doesn't learn how to seek Him alone, failure is a foregone conclusion. I heard it taught once, that "Rules without relationship, always leads to rebellion." and it's just so very true.
     
A) I am the priest of my household, and as such, I lead my family in worship, prayer, the reading of the Scriptures, and every spiritual righteous discipline. But (especially as my kids are getting older), it is crucial that my kids begin to learn how to serve God on their own. They must learn what it means to search the Bible for wisdom, and to seek the will of the Father, and to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. The list goes on and on, but the truth is that I only have a short time with them, before they are out from under my direct care. With that, I've just determined something inspired. Each year, leading up to my child's birthday, I will fast for them. Specifically, I will inquire of the LORD the things which they each need to learn that year, especially as it pertains to the LORD.
     
P) Father, You have given me a good direction this morning. Thank You for putting this plan in my heart, God. I need to be sure to implement it correctly. Holy Spirit, as each birthday approaches, prompt me to fast and give me clear direction for the details of that fast and how it will look and the things I need to pray for my children. See them prosper in every one of Your ways, O LORD. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/23/2012; 2 Chronicles 23:1

Today's reading: 2 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 22,23; 1 Timothy 5
     
S) "¹ Now in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took captains of hundreds: Azariah the son of Jeroham, Ishmael the son of Johanan, Azariah the son of Obed, Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, and they entered into a covenant with him."
     

2 Chronicles 23:1 (NASB)
     

O) The story of Joash's ascension to the throne (which starts in 2 Chronicles 22), is one of my favorite stories of all the kings of Judah and Israel. The conspiracy, collaboration, espionage - I mean, it's events like this that inspire books like Lord Of The Rings. In this verse, though, we see the culmination of years and years of planning. What stood out to me, though, is the phrase, "Jehoiada strengthened himself..." It just goes to show that, even with all the planning in the world, even with the LORD on your side, sometimes, you have to take courage and just go, go, go!
     
A) At a certain point, there's a diminishing return on plans. Ultimately, all of my plans must come from the LORD, but at a certain point, the time for action will come upon me (every time, at some point with each plan). When that time comes, I need to encourage myself, motivate myself, and push myself into action.
      
P) Father, I want to be an action figure. You have made me many things and You continue to shape me and form me into the man I must be, per Your will. Your plan and will for me, and the goodness in them, is truly beyond my comprehension, but I know that it's still good, because You are good. I know that Your timing is perfect and that You work all circumstances together, so I want to be ready whenever You call. If it takes 7 weeks, 7 months, or 7 years, I will plan when You say plan and I will act when You say go. Holy Spirit, move my heart to seek and to move when the will of the Father is so. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/22/2012; 2 Kings 8:5-6

Today's reading: 2 Kings 8,9; 2 Chronicles 21; 1 Timothy 4
     
S) "⁵ As he was relating to the king how he had restored to life the one who was dead, behold, the woman whose son he had restored to life appealed to the king for her house and for her field. And Gehazi said, 'My lord, O king, this is the woman and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life.' ⁶ When the king asked the woman, she related it to him. So the king appointed for her a certain officer, saying, 'Restore all that was hers and all the produce of the field from the day that she left the land even until now.'"
     

2 Kings 8:5-6 (NASB)
     

O) Years earlier, God's favor came upon this Shunammite woman when Elisha came prophesied that she'd have a son. When her son died as a child, she ran in faith to bring Elisha to her son, so that the LORD would resurrect him. Then, some time later, Elisha tells her there will be a famine for 7 years and she must sojourn anywhere. So she goes and comes back after the famine, and she wants to reclaim her land. After relaying her story to the king, he restores what belongs to her. This is the culmination of this lesson:
the LORD does not do favors, but rather, the LORD favors. As His children, His favor rests upon us. That is to say, it comes and stays upon us (see Luke 2:14). When He blesses, in faith we can lay claim to keep it. Whether we lose a child until they are resurrected (in this world or in the life to come), or if we lose our place in the land and everything we had until it is restored (in this world or in the life to come), the favor or the LORD is not momentary.
     
A) Now, the concept of "happily ever after" is certainly a myth. Accepting God's mercy through Jesus Christ, being reborn as a child of God, does not ensure an easy life for me. In fact, quite the opposite. As a son of The King, the enemy lays his sights. But none of that matters in the end, because I've already won! The favor of the LORD came to rest on me because of Jesus, my King, my Brother. So I persevere through every hardship, holding onto the hope that comes through faith in Him who favors me.
     
P) Father, Your lovingkindness is everlasting! You show favor to the undeserving and redemption to those who had profaned Your holy name! You drew me into Your presence, by the Holy Spirit, calling me out of death and despair, and into life and hope. Holy Spirit, let me feel Your presence constantly, so that even in times of stress or confusion, I have peace in knowing that I am still favored. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/21/2012; 2 Chronicles 20:21-22

Today's reading: 2 Kings 6,7; 2 Chronicles 20; 1 Timothy 3
     
S) "²¹ When he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who sang to the LORD and those who praised Him in holy attire, as they went out before the army and said, 'Give thanks to the LORD, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.' ²² When they began singing and praising, the LORD set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were routed."
     

2 Chronicles 20:21-22 (NASB)
     

O) How important is it to praise the LORD, especially in the storm? The example is that the king commands the praise to begin, before the victory has actually be given. And then, it is through the praise that the LORD brings His salvation to them. And notice what the king actually says. He says to give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, not for His deliverance. He was choosing to praise the LORD for who He is, not for what He was about to do. That is true worship.
     
A) It's important for me to remember that praise can be spiritual warfare. Declaring truth about God is one of the fastest ways to overcome the lies that the enemy puts in my ear. It's also one of the fastest ways to bring the manifest-presence of the LORD. So, when I'm facing a challenge, a battle, I need to pray and even fast, but especially praise Him.
     
P) Father, Your lovingkindness is everlasting! Your goodness knows no bounds! In my struggles, in my uncertainty, when trials and calamity come against me, I will praise You still, because You are worthy of my praise. You deserve praise for who You are, as much as for what You have done. Holy Spirit, draw me into times of praise, even if the fight seems to be a physical one. Let me find Your presence in my worship, so that You can break the strongholds of the enemy, bring deliverance to Your people, and have Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/20/2012; 2 Kings 5:11

Today's reading: 2 Kings 4,5; Psalm 83; 1 Timothy 2
     
S) "¹¹ But Naaman was furious and went away and said, 'Behold, I thought, "He will surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper."'"
     

2 Kings 5:11 (NASB)
     

O) Naaman was looking for a little bit of hype to go with his healing. He had particular expectations for how the miracle would come about and when the reality didn't meet his expectations, he became angry. Ultimately, he was convinced that, while he was being asked to do something ordinary (washing in the Jordan river seven times), he was being asked to do it by a great prophet (Elisha). So, he eventually goes and does as he's told and he's healed. Then he acknowledges the sovereignty of the LORD.
     
A) It's not the action that brings the miracle, but it's the LORD. He may ask me to do something extraordinary and unusual, but as often as not, it will be something regular or plain. I must place my faith and trust in Him, and in what He says, not based on my own expectations of how things "should" be. The excitement should never be in the action, but in the amazing fact that the Creator of all things wants me involved in what He's doing. It reminds me of the song, Praise Is Awaiting, when they sing, "You only do wondrous things, God who wills to save." The things which seem ordinary, are truly made extraordinary by His very involvement in them.
     
P) Father, I presume to know nothing when You are leading me. Help me clear away all of my preconceived notions about the details of Your instruction. Thank You for giving me Your Word, which does not change, so that I am certain of who You are and other discernible, unchanging qualities of life with You. But, when it comes to spontaneous acts of obedience, let me follow Your lead in the uncommon and common alike. Refresh my perception so that I see every interaction with You as truly amazing. Let me be filled with awe at our every moment together, however that looks. Holy Spirit, lead me into exciting adventures, regardless of how they might look at first. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/19/2012; 2 Kings 3:10-11

Today's reading: 2 Kings 1,2,3; Psalm 82; 1 Timothy 1
     
S) "¹⁰ Then the king of Israel said, 'Alas! For the LORD has called these three kings to give them into the hand of Moab.' ¹¹ But Jehoshaphat said, 'Is there not a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of the LORD by him?' And one of the king of Israel’s servants answered and said, 'Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.'"
     

2 Kings 3:10-11 (NASB)
     

O) This is one of the most interesting periods of the divided kingdoms of the Israelites, to me. I find it fascinating because you have this treaty between the two kingdoms, but they won't unify, and one (Judah) is still seeking the LORD while the other (Israel) is ignoring Him, more or less. Then, when things like this happen, the king of Judah seeks the LORD with the king of Israel, the LORD delivers them, but one king still won't submit to the LORD.
     
A) This is reminiscent of growing up in the church and having some siblings serve God and some who ignore Him. I basically have a treaty with some of my siblings, where we agree not to attack each other, but they still won't acknowledge the Truth. So, I need to continue spending time with them, giving them more and more examples of the Living God. I need to do what I can to share my testimony of miracles, or even be with them more often, so that when God performs a miracle in my life, they are aware of it, even if they don't want to acknowledge it (yet).
     
P) Father, thank You for opening my eyes to see and ears to hear. I know that it's by grace that any are drawn to You by the Holy Spirit. I pray that every moment I spend with my family, who does not yet see You in truth, I pray that those are opportunities for them to see Your miraculous hand. Reveal Yourself to them, using me as You see fit, according to Your will. Even if I must suffer for a time, so that they can see Your saving power at work in me, so be it. Open their eyes to see and their ears to hear. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/18/2012; Colossians 4:5

Today's reading: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18,19; Colossians 4
     
S) "⁵ Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity."
     

Colossians 4:5 (NASB)
     

O) We live in a world of religious confusion. There are numerous religions claiming the name of Christ, although they do no represent the Bible in truth. There are countless misconceptions regarding actual Christian beliefs. There are celebrities calling themselves Christians while tweeting things contrary to what the Bible, or even in some cases, Jesus himself, says. Then you have the literally crazy people, doing criminal things in the name of Christ. It is no wonder so many non-believers shy away from hearing the gospel. This makes it so incredibly important that, with every opportunity, we are wisely and correctly representing Christ, because sometimes we are the only true reflection a person might know.
     
A) The Bible teaches that I should only fear authority if I am guilty (Romans 13:3). In the same way, I should only fear scrutiny and a close eye on my life and lifestyle, if I am lacking integrity. Every moment I spend with some one who has not yet submitted themselves fully to Christ, is a moment for me to show them what it means to be a reborn child of God. Whether that's a deep discussion about the infallible truth of the Word, or the way I manage my emotions. From the way I talk to my wife and children to the way I worship. God has, and will continue to, put people in my path who will see Him through me. So, I need to continue to pray for His wisdom to guide me through those opportunities.
     
P) Father, simply put, You are the best thing that's ever happened to me. It's a scary thing to share honest, open, and vulnerable parts of my life, but whatever I can do to share the wonderful gospel with others, I want to do it, God. I know You will continue to make opportunity, so Holy Spirit, give me wisdom to make the most of those times. Let others see my life, not as what I have done for Your Name, but what Your Name has done for me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/17/2012; Colossians 3:21

Today's reading: 1 Kings 20,21; 2 Chronicles 17; Colossians 3
     
S) "²¹ Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart."
     

Colossians 3:21 (NASB)
     

O) Today is Father's Day, and how fitting is it that this verse is in today's reading? This verse is pretty simple in its instruction, but it's pretty deep in its implications. One thing that stands out is that it doesn't say anything about mothers exasperating their children. As I look around at various families I know, almost exclusively, it's the fathers who tend to push their kids. Whether taking a joke too far, hurting feelings, or pushing a discussion too long, creating bitterness, or some other form of a father not letting up.
     
A) Exasperating can mean a number of things, but ultimately, I need to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, so that I am not taking anything further than I should. In discipline, I need to set the tone and culture of our family, showing my children what is, and what is not, right for a child of God, but I need to balance that by showing the grace and mercy of the Father as well. In jest, I need to show my children the value of laughter and a lighter side of life, but I need to balance that with compassion and empathy, to show them the heart of the Father. In the end, I need to remember that fatherhood is not about me being a father, it's about them being children.
     
P) Father, You are perfect in Your fatherhood. Shape me to be the father I am to be in You, so that my children grow up and realize that a relationship with You is already familiar and normal and comforting, because my relationship with them was a reflection of that. Holy Spirit, lead me in all things pertaining to righteous fatherhood. Bless my children to know You through me. Open their eyes to see and their ears to hear so that they identify their Father in heaven, through His vessel, their father on earth. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/16/2012; Colossians 2:23

Today's reading: 1 Kings 17,18,19; Colossians 2
     
S) "²³ These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence."
     

Colossians 2:23 (NASB)
     

O) This whole chapter is warning against hollow philosophy and being led astray by the principles of the world. Ultimately, the world, referring to those outside of Christ, can offer some forms of enlightenment, but we need to be careful that it's not just another religion. And, disciplines which claim the name of Christ, but are truly forgery, are the most difficult to spot. There countless books by authors who love the Lord, but have differing (and sometimes even conflicting) views about any number of topics. Ultimately, we can't reinvent the wheel, though. There are a handful of disciplines which are sound, according to the Bible, and ultimately that's where the focus should be.
     
A) I tend to shy away from popular Christian books, because I sometimes feel like they are trying to reinvent the wheel, a little bit. When I break everything down, I think that staying rooted in the Word, praying daily, worshiping often, fasting regularly, holding fellowship with other believers... these are the things that will continue to edify, continue to shape me into the man God intends me to be. I know there is wisdom to be found in my brothers and sisters who write books about the things of God, but I can never let it supersede anything that I already know to be righteous discipline.
      
P) Father, You are holy and righteous and I trust in Your plan for my life. I always want to follow Your path to becoming the man You are calling me to be. So, if that means that I gain some insights or habits from some book written by another brother, so be it. But, Holy Spirit, I always want my direction and instruction and discipline to come firstly through You. Show me the will of the Father, with both positive and negative reinforcement according to Your will and not my own. Even when it's through another person, let me find wisdom and edification from You and You alone. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/15/2012; 2 Chronicles 16:9

Today's reading: 1 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 15,16; Colossians 1
    
S) "⁹ For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars."
    

2 Chronicles 16:9 (NASB)
    

O) From the fifteenth year of his reign, until the thirty-fifth year of his reign, King Asa had peace on every side. When He was finally attacked in the thirty-sixth year, by Israel, he sought the help of a foreign king, instead of seeking the LORD. Asa started his reign with great humility and faith in the LORD. In the end, though, he forgot his own testimony of God, and he finished his reign crippled. I think it is the contrast of God's surpassing strength and love, as compared with our lack of confidence in Him, that may provoke Him the most.
    
A) This verse is such a powerful promise, but also a terrible warning. I have, in my own history, tremendous testimonies about the goodness of the LORD. I know His salvation, deliverance, renewing, regeneration, provision, faithfulness, peace, strength, and His love. As powerful as I know Him to be, I also know that I know nothing of His true power. In my times of weakness and need, I cannot forget that He is eagerly searching to strongly support me, if my heart is completely His. Whatever my need, His strength is exceedingly good.
    
P) Father, let me continuously acknowledge the goodness You have shown Your servant. I am unable to comprehend Your might in its fullness, but I know that I do not know. In the small fraction You have shown me, let me be encouraged knowing that I have seen only a portion. Holy Spirit, remove all doubt from me, and increase my faith, to know that as I am fully devoted I am fully supported. I am setting my heart fully on You, LORD, so search me and find me and strongly support me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/14/2012; 2 Chronicles 14:11

Today's reading: 1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13,14; Philippians 4
    
S) "¹¹ Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, 'LORD, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; let not man prevail against You.'"

2 Chronicles 14:11 (NASB)
    

O) The humilty of this prayer is what really stood out to me. King Asa didn't say, "God we're strong, but not strong enough, please help us." He humbled himself to confess that his enemies were strong and he had no strength. So it's from a place of admitting helplessness, that he asks for help. Then later, he again forsakes himself to say that the LORD is God, let no man prevail against Him. So he's taking the battle, and it's outcome, out of his hands and off his shoulders and putting it all before the LORD to say that both the outcome and implications are the LORD's, not Asa's.
    
A) In general, this is a great example of how to seek the LORD. Throughout both books of both Kings and Chronicles, the various terrible kings would be in trouble for sinning, as well as not seeking the LORD. It's an obvious thing to avoid sin, but it's less obvious to not seek the LORD, since that's more like a sin of ommission. I cannot allow this, so I need to set new habits; I need regular discipline to seek the LORD for all things. As it applies to me currently, my battle is to find the work the LORD has for me. I place my faith in His hands, because I know He has a plan for my move and for my family when I get to Washington. Like Asa, I need to confess that I have nothing of my own that will secure a job for me. Like Asa, I need to put both the outcome, and the implications of that outcome, at the feet of the LORD who controls both.
    
P) Father, there is no one besides You to help between those who can employ and those who have no abilities of their own; so help me, O LORD my God, for I trust in You, and in Your name I am seeking a job. O LORD, You are my God; let no man prevail against You. Holy Spirit, direct my path as I seek the will and word of my Father in heaven. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/13/2012; Philippians 3:1

Today's reading: 1 Kings 13,14; 2 Chronicles 12; Philippians 3
    
S) "¹ Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you."

Philippians 3:1 (NASB)
    

O) It is foolishness to think that a message heard twice is a waste of time, especially regarding anything of God. In fact, our attitude should be quite the opposite. If the message was good to hear the first time, then we should be eager to hear the same message for the 200th time.
    
A) My old way was arrogance and restlessness. If I "already knew" something, I would not give time or attention to hearing it again. I would not abide some one trying to teach me something I already knew. That's my old self, the way according to my flesh, the way according to death. In God, though, I have new perspective. His ways are all good, and holy, and life-giving. I can read the same verse a thousand times and, even if I learn nothing new from that verse, it is still beneficial to me. It is still feeding my soul, because the Word of God is living and active; it is my daily bread. If I hear the message of the Gospel a thousand more times before I die, it should be nothing less than breathtaking each time. Nothing about God should ever seem dull, repetitive, or worn out. As soon as it does, it's a red flag that I'm being arrogant and headed toward deathly ways.
    
P) Father, thank You for the refreshing of Your word. Let it be nutritious to my soul, no matter how familiar it is. Thank You for making it a safeguard to me, even if it's the same message I hear over and over. Holy Spirit, warn me of arrogance and rebuke me when I am acting selfishly. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/12/2012; 2 Chronicles 10:16

Today's reading: 1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10,11; Philippians 2
    
S) "¹⁶ When all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them the people answered the king, saying,
   'What portion do we have in David?
      We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse.
   Every man to your tents, O Israel;
      Now look after your own house, David!'

So all the Israelites went home."

2 Chronicles 10:16 (NASB)
    

O) There are countless parallels between kingship and parenting, and this one scares me a lot. This error that Rehoboam made set up a civil war and divided the kingdom against itself for several hundred years and the kingdom never recovered. It wasn't until after World War II that Israel became a unified nation again. Now, this passage says that it was to fulfill the word of God (v.15), but that isn't to say it's fulfilling the will of God, which is subtly different. Just because God is telling us what is going to happen, doesn't mean that is His will. It only means that He knew ahead of time that His will would not come to pass (because of the freewill and rebellion of His people). The error of Rehoboam is that he forsook the advise of older counselors, in favor of more contemporary influence because they appealed to his pride.
    
A) As it relates to my family, I could never bear to hear my children forsake our family in this manner, let alone my wife. I couldn't take the heartache and pain of knowing that they (either wife or kids) feel like they have no portion with me. The warning that comes through this passage is that I need to seek righteous counsel, first of all, and avoid insidious, poisonous counsel. Also, my family (as individuals) will not feel invested and engaged with me (and our family as a whole) by default; it must be fostered in them. So, I need to be sure, every day, that I am engaged in their lives. I need to be sure that I am investing in them. If I'm not making deliberate efforts in these areas, then when they reach their teenage years, I may find myself in a civil war with my kids, and when that happens, nobody wins and few survive.
    
P) Father, You have given me such great blessings and great responsibilities in my wife and children. Like Solomon, LORD, I need wisdom from You to know how to lead them correctly. Holy Spirit, guide me in the daily call to leadership with my family, and especially in pivotal moments like this one that Rehoboam failed. Give me a supernatural ability to relate to my wife and kids individually. Let the time and focus and energy I invest in them each, bring about a positive return throughout my lifetime with them. Continue to draw me toward You so that, as they follow me, they follow You also. Victory belongs to You, Lord, so guide my hand as I fight for my family. Show me where the real battles are, so that I am choosing battles wisely and fighting my real enemy in the spiritual realm, and not skirmishing with my own wife or kids. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/11/2012; Philippians 1:6

Today's reading: Song of Solomon 5, 6, 7, 8; Philippians 1
    
S) " ⁶ For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
 

Philippians 1:6 (NASB)
    

O) If you break down messages from the Bible into two main categories, verses for believers and verses for non-believers, this verse is one that falls into both categories as very important. First, as an encouragement to Christians, because we know that we make mistakes and just because we're forgiven, doesn't mean that we don't still have flaws and weaknesses and suffer defeats. Knowing that God is not finished with us yet, it's such an encouragement because it keeps renewing hope and strengthens our resolve to strive for His perfection. Second, as a message to the world, this verse let's them know that we're acknowledging our shortcomings. Just because we're Christians, doesn't mean we're perfect, but not being perfect doesn't make us hypocrites, because we understand that God isn't done with us, yet.
    
A) I will continue to strive for the perfection to which I am called. I will continue to submit myself to the discipline of the Lord, so that I resemble Christ Jesus, the first (and only begotten) Son, more and more as my Father has His way with me. I also need to ensure that I am humbling myself before the watching world, so that I am never presenting myself as more than I am. Being a saint doesn't mean I'm better than other people, it just means I'm a sinner saved. Everyone can be that by asking God to have His way.
    
P) Father, have Your way with me. Continue the good work that You began in me and carry it on until perfection. I know that I will not be perfect until I am resurrected into perfection, after life here on earth, but let me strive to Your excellence, as it is shown through Your Son. Holy Spirit, work on me daily, carrying out the discipline of the Father until I am face to face with the Son. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/10/2012; Song of Solomon 4:7

Today's reading: Song 1,2,3,4; Ephesians 6   
     
S) "⁷ 'You are altogether beautiful, my darling,
And there is no blemish in you.'"
     

Song of Solomon 4:7 (NASB)

     

O) Song of Solomon is such a beautiful book for all of it's simile and imagry, describing both the physical and emotional attractions of a bride and groom. It's hard to fully appreciate some of the analogies, as relating to them in today's world can take translation well beyond the literal sense, but not this verse. This verse is so great because it illustrates the way that love is blind. Obviously, no one is perfect, so this verse is more of about declaring than discovering. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so he sees his wife as perfect more as a determination than an observation.
     
A) This verse is not about my wife being perfect spiritually. In that regard, in things like self-control or healthy habits, I should still be able to recognize areas where my wife can improve and areas where I can help her become a better woman in God. This verse is all about my wife being breathtakingly gorgeous to my eyes. This is how I choose to see my wife's beauty, that she is stunning and that I choose to be more attracted to her than I could ever be to any other. She is, and will always be, the only perfect 10.
     
P) Father, thank You for giving me such a beautiful wife. Let my eyes always see her as the single most beautiful woman there is. Holy Spirit, inspire me with new ways to describe my attraction to her, new ways to appreciate her beauty. Heal her heart from years of hurt and damage; heal her from a world of lies, so that she is able to accept and believe that she is altogether beautiful and there is no blemish in her. Restore to her the confidence in that, with me, that she is meant to have through You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/09/2012; Ephesians 5:25-26

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 10,11,12; Psalms 94; Ephesians 5
     
S) "²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, ²⁶ so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,"
     

Ephesians 5:25-26 (NASB)

     

O) This is a sneakily deep verse, I think. On the surface it seems simple enough - love your wife like Jesus loves His church... but then when Jesus' love is considered... there really is no measuring it. Specifically, the single marker is that He took the punishment for her. She mistreated Him, was guilty, filthy, worthless really, and He still valued her more than His own life. So, a husband's sacrifice for his wife should really know no bounds. It's hard to be selfless 100% of the time, but that's the love that is required of being a husband. The next line is equally important and the two go hand-in-hand. Defining exactly what it means to "cleanse her..." is kind of hard...
     
A) Here's what I know: the more I engage with my wife in spiritual disciplines, especially Bible study and prayer, the closer we are (not just how we feel, but how close we actually are). It's a given that I need to continually approach my marriage in humility and self-sacrifice, but I also need to continue making determined efforts to engage with her in disciplines that build up her faith, encourage her ministry, and strengthen her walk with God.
     
P) Father, my marriage is one of the most important things You've given me. I feel so blessed by my wife, and the marriage You've given us, that I really cannot express it, but I know You see my heart. I want to honor You and honor the gift that is my wife and marriage, with how I nurture my wife and tend our marriage, LORD. Holy Spirit, show me a successful discipline for strengthening my wife and show me what it means to sanctify, cleanse, and wash her. I know it's not as literal as it is with Jesus and the church, so reveal to me the most successful approach. Let me lead her in humility and grace, so that we are following You together, as a unified pair, as one flesh. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/08/2012; Ecclesiastes 7:10

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 7,8,9; Ephesians 4
     
S) "¹⁰ Do not say, 'Why is it that the former days were better than these?'
For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this."
     

Ecclesiastes 7:10 (NASB)

     

O) This is very direct, very blunt, very brutal truth. When a person is musing about "the good ol' days" or reminiscing about "the glory days" and they ask something along the lines of, "what happened..." or the like, they might offer up myriad reasons why they are asking, but it really all comes down to one thing. They are dissatisfied with their current circumstance and they are throwing a fit, to some degree. I'm all for learning from mistakes, but ultimately, the Preacher (author of Eccl.) is right, it's not really wisdom to ponder it this way. Ultimately, if we are dissatisfied with a present circumstance, we need to seek God and His counsel will direct us. It's a matter of humbling ourselves before Him, accepting that our circumstances, however uncomfortable, miserable, or painful, might actually be His will for us in that moment, as well. Wisdom comes from the LORD, not from musings about our past.
     
A) When I was a senior in H.S., my calculus teacher, an old german man named Mr. Lutz, said something that really made an impact with me. He said he pitied people who thought that H.S. was the best years of their life, because it meant that the rest of their life was pretty bad. So, I made the determination that I will see life as progressively better and better. So now, I simply choose not to believe that any of my former days were better than these. I know it's fairly easy to say that in my present circumstances, but I am also setting my heart in determination that I will choose to believe that, even if I face much more difficult times to come. God is exceedingly good and, as long as I am following His will, He will prosper me according to His definition of prosperity, and I will accept that He knows better than I do, regarding what is true prosperity, what is truly good for me, etc.
     
P) Father, You have been exceedingly good to me. The graces I see in my past, the grace I see in my marriage, in my kids, in my current job... I know that Your grace is also beyond my perception. I'm going forward into some unknown parts of my future, but I am placing my trust firmly in Your will. If, or even when, times might get hard, I am trusting that those hard times are still the best possible circumstances, according to Your will for me. So, Holy Spirit, let me find Your direction and voice quickly and clearly, so that I am putting myself and my family firmly in the center of Your will, Your plan, and the best possible life we could have. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/07/2012; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 4,5,6; Psalms 18; Ephesians 3
     
S) " ⁹ Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. ¹⁰ For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. ¹¹ Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? ¹² And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart."
     

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NASB)

     

O) This is, perhaps, one of my very favorite verses in the Bible regarding marriage. It's not exclusively about marriage, but it's such a powerful promise when it's realized that way. Marriage is all about being of one accord. Your spouse should be your biggest benefactor. No one should pray harder for you, fast more often for you, be more concerned with your success in every spiritual and physical sense, because there is no one closer or more fully invested in you as a person. Your spouse is one flesh with you, so as it goes with your spouse, it goes with you. This is the truth of the phrase, "Behind every good man is a great woman." This is true, regardless of religion or creed. Marriages that are true partnerships are the most successful. This verse takes it further with the last verse. That is the most powerful, most important promise to me, outside my own salvation. "A cord of three" is referring to me, my wife, and God with us. As long as we are woven together, with God, we will never fail.
     
A) I need to continually reposition my perspective to see my wife as my biggest ally in everything I do, to the point that I'm not seeing her as a separate person, in the sense that we are one flesh (Genesis 2:24). So, if she is sick, then I am sick. If she is anxious, then I am anxious. If she is joyful, even when it seems less-than-exciting to me, then I am joyful. This is a committed act of love to my wife, I am ensuring that I am with her in everything. Taking that a step further, I need to continue making determined efforts to minister to my wife directly, so that we walking closely with God as individuals, and also as a couple. This is, perhaps, the hardest, and most important, part.
     
P) Father, thank You for giving me such an amazing wife. Your gift to me in her is more than I asked, and my thanks to You, for her, will never end. I want to honor what You've given me, and I want to take this blessing and see it flourish. Holy Spirit, continue to change my perspective to see Kristin more and more as myself. Give me a supernatural ability to relate to her, so that I am seeing her struggles as my struggles, and her successes as my successes. Lead me to lead her, so that we are intertwined with You in a cord that cannot be broken. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/06/2012; Ephesians 2:10

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 1,2,3; Psalms 45; Ephesians 2
     
S) "¹⁰ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."
     

Ephesians 2:10 (NASB)

     

O) This is such a good promise! Awhile ago, I started saying that God doesn't waste, so if He redeemed some one, it's for a purpose. This verse is the proof of that. It's so encouraging to know that God has created me with skills and talents that are specifically because I'm called to do something. No one was randomly made, but God has prepared for us each, good works to be done.
     
A) I'm standing firm in this promise. I know that "ministry" can take various forms, but it's so important that I'm chasing whatever it is He has for me to do, and that I'm not missing or wasting opportunities or abilities, either one. As I pursue things like a further education, or a new church home (when I move), I need to remember that it's not about my own idea of effective or fulfilling. No amount of perceived success matters, if I am not walking in the good work God has prepared for me.
     
P) Father, I have been blessed to be used in so many ways so far. You've given me talents, skills, and passions that You planted in me to use me for things like drumming, working in the church nursery, being a youth pastor, and teaching in our school of ministry - thank You, God. I know that You still have more plans for me, more good for me to do for You, so I want to be sure I'm following Your plan, and not just what seems good to me. Holy Spirit, reveal to me the will of the Father for my life, both in the short term, but also some of the long term plans, as well. Let it be according to Your good will, to reveal what I need to know, so that I am fulfilling my purpose in You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/05/2012; Proverbs 31:11, 28-29

Today's reading: Proverbs 30,31; Psalms 33; Ephesians 1
     
S) "¹¹ The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
²⁸ Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
²⁹ 'Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.'"
     

Proverbs 31:11 (NASB)

     

O) Proverbs 31 is one of the most recognized chapters in Proverbs because the second half of it (vv.10-31) is all about a wife who is a righteous woman, blessing her husband and her household. It has been found to be quite inspiring to millions of women, seeking to serve God in holiness and serve their families as God intends them, individually; each finding specific verses that have special meaning to them, or are particularly applicable to their family, circumstance, and life. I never really considered before today, that there are (at least) three verses that are actually instructions for the husband, not simply promises for the wife.
     
A) I recently let Kristin take over the finances for our family, and it's been surprisingly... uncomfortable... It's not that I'm worried, or that I doubt her, it's just not what we've done it for the last 9 years. But, I'm taking it to another level, starting today. Not only will I continue to "not worry about it" - which is my M.O., but I will specifically place my trust in her, from my heart. Also, I'm going to bless my wife and give her exactly this praise, because it's true and she deserves to hear it.
     
P) Father, I prayed nearly fifteen years ago, that you would prepare my wife to be the woman I needed her to be. There were some serious things, that you certainly gave me in her, and some trivial things that still bless me today. But Father, I recognize that You prepared her to be what I need and not just what I want. Your blessings are often unknown, and I am still learning how much You have truly blessed me with Kristin. Holy Spirit, remind me of this promise and this call for me to trust my wife from the heart. I know You have made her able, I know that she wills to follow Your lead as well, so I trust in her to do exactly that. I know that You are our provider, and all that we have is truly Yours. Prompt me to give timely praises to my wife, so that she feels the most blessed. Let her believe me when I tell her, "Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all." In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/04/2012; Proverbs 28:13

Today's reading: Proverbs 28,29; Psalms 60; Romans 16
     
S) "¹³ He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion."
     

Proverbs 28:13 (NASB)

     

O) Here's the tricky thing about how post-sin mentality goes - we make a mistake with some sin and immediately feel guilt, followed quickly by shame at the idea others will find out about it. This is typically where we start having all these thoughts about the terrible repercussions that would take place if anyone ever found out, from a fight with a spouse to losing a job, the worst case scenarios are brought to mind. So, in our heads we make a determination to "deal with it myself" which is the biggest trap. See, we know that in Christ, we gained the indwelling Holy Spirit and the rebirth that we are able to walk free of sin, but that ability is still not easy. So, we convince ourselves that we can do it, despite the very recent evidence to the contrary - particularly because if we commonly struggle with a particular sin, it's always the biggest struggle when we've already been secluding ourselves from our brothers and sisters. So, we've been disconnected from our supportive siblings in Christ, and so we sinned, and now we're convincing ourselves that we don't need any support because God has delivered us from this sin... this is the hope of satan. The TRUTH that is in the verse above, is that hiding our sins is setting ourselves up for future failure. Confession and repentance brings healing and freedom. Our brothers and sisters in Christ do not have the authority to forgive sins, that is still only through Jesus Christ, but they do, very much, have the power and compassion to strengthen, encourage, and support us to get back on our feet and walk upright again.
     
A) I cannot abide the lies I'm hearing in my own head about false-shame or false-strength. I must confess and forsake my sins, being honest with brothers in Christ who will build me up, praying with and for me, so that I am strengthened, encouraged, and empowered in the Truth, who is Jesus Christ.
     
P) Father, I have been so blessed that You have surrounded me with brothers and sisters in Christ who love and support me. Thank You for the church body I have right now, who will support and encourage me in compassion and love. I pray that You help me find that same support after I move to Washington. Holy Spirit, help me keep this verse close at hand any time I might have sinned. Remind me that I will find grace and healing in the support of my church family. Help me take immediate action, because that is the fastest way to get past a stumbling, and back on my feet walking with You again. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/03/2012; Proverbs 26:18-19

Today's reading: Proverbs 25,26,27; Romans 15
     
S) "¹⁸ Like a madman who throws
Firebrands, arrows and death,
¹⁹ So is the man who deceives his neighbor,
And says, 'Was I not joking?'"
     

Proverbs 26:18-19 (NASB)

     

O) Here's the thing about this verse - it's so old, but people simply do not change and this verse is still incredibly poignant today. All the time, you can hear some one being a jerk and then, when they realize they've offended a person or gone too far with their jest, they come back with something along the lines of, "I was just kidding!" It's a poor excuse that never justifies in the eyes of the offended person.
     
A) I think part of the reason this verse still stands out, even as I read it for the cajillionth time, is that this is the man I used to be. I used to be quite the jerk, and very sarcastic. So, I would be mean to people while disguising it as a joke. It's funny, though, because I really didn't care if people were offended for their sake. I made the excuse to ease my own conscience - which never really worked. It was a prideful response, along the lines of, "Clearly you are the one with the issue here, not me." As it is now, I genuinely make jokes that are intended to be funny and not offend, but sometimes they do offend. In that case now, I no longer respond by saying, "It was a joke!" but instead, I simply humble myself and apologize.
     
P) Father, You have done great works in me, breaking down my pride to realize my guilt. Then You took that guilt and put it on Your Son, when I accepted Your grace and mercy. It still baffles me. Holy Spirit, I know sometimes I'm simply not aware of how my comments might come accross to people, and I know I offend by sincere accident. Help me in two ways, God. First, help me realize ahead of time, with discernment, what will offend - so I can bite my tongue. Second, when I realize an offense, guide me to quickly and effectively apologize in genuine humility. I want to heal, not harm. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/02/2012; Proverbs 24:30-34

Today's reading: Proverbs 22,23,24; Romans 14
         
S) "³⁰ I passed by the field of the sluggard
And by the vineyard of the man lacking sense,
³¹ And behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles;
Its surface was covered with nettles,
And its stone wall was broken down.
³² When I saw, I reflected upon it;
I looked, and received instruction.
³³ 'A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest,'
³⁴ Then your poverty will come as a robber
And your want like an armed man. "
     

Proverbs 24:30-34 (NASB)

     

O) This paragraph, as a whole, stood out to me for a few different reasons, I think. First, is that there's a repeated phrase and principle in verses 33 and 34 that convict my heart. When I read them the first time, in Proverbs 6:9-11, I felt deeply convicted and I probably would have written about them then, except I had already written out my SOAP entry, before I had gone back to read the rest of the scheduled chapters that day (or the next day, I think it was). So, seeing this again, it certainly jumped off the page at me. The second thing I noticed about this passage, though, and the reason I included the first 3 verses as well, is the entire experience Solomon shares. Verse 32 is really key. In the first 2 verses, he shares how he saw the world around him. He took notice of the things around him and in verse 32 he makes it a point to seek a lesson in what he saw. And he says he "received" instruction. That's significant. The LORD will, when we ask, teach us things about life, people, and the world around us. He desires to give us wisdom and understanding, if we'll take the time to seek it out from Him.
     
A) Part of this has actually already been applied. In the past, oh I don't know, 16 years or so, I've pretty much lived my life from snooze button to snooze button. It is now (painfully) obvious that it is folly. I have recognized in the past, that hitting snooze for an hour in the morning isn't really doing me any favors, but when I read these verses, put in such severe light, it really drove the point home. So, for the last week, I have not used my snooze button at all. Furthermore, I haven't adjusted my alarm clock much (keeping it set between 6 and 6:30). It's been a challenge, but I'm really enjoying the fruit of that (no stress in the morning about being late, getting my journaling done early, etc).
Additionally, I really want to be sure I'm applying verse 32 from this passage as well. I don't do a good job of asking God to show me understanding and wisdom in the things I observe. I've even asked God to speak to me in my dreams (I don't dream often), and then foolishly, I'll do nothing with what He shows me. This must change. Even last night, as I was going to bed I put on some worship and asked God to speak to me. I dreamt something that seems pretty significant, but I'm not sure what it means, in terms of my actions going forward. So, I will seek His further instruction for it.
     
P) Father, your discipline and instruction are perfect. I want to be a man shaped by my Creator into exactly what my Creator invisions. I want to fulfill Your purpose for my life because that's when I feel the closest to You and that's when I know I'm doing the most good and that's when I know I am the most secure in You. Your blessings overflow when I am with You. This new discipline with my alarm clock is hard, Father. But, I know it's for my good. Help me to be firm in my bedtime, since I am not waivering in my waking commitment.
With the dream You showed me last night, Father, I know there is significance in it. I don't know exactly what that means to me, though, in terms of the actions You want me to take. Speak to me, Holy Spirit, and make known to me the will of the Father for this. Use confirmation among my brothers in You, even this morning as I meet with them for breakfast. In One Spirit, we are connected, so speak to them a word of knowledge and give them boldness to speak it to me, even if it seems random or out of place to them. Or simply speak to me directly, God. I just want to do Your will in this. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/01/2012; Romans 13:8

Today's reading: Proverbs 19,20,21; Romans 13
    
S) "⁸ Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law."
     

Romans 13:8 (NASB)

     

O) This is a tough, tough verse to get down. How far does the phrase "owe nothing" really go? I mean, it's wicked to borrow and not repay (Psalm 37:21), but is that to say that it's the wicked who borrow and it's the wicked who pay back (that it's wicked to do either one)? Or is it okay to borrow, and the verse from Romans is really talking about bigger things? I don't think it's wrong to ask for help, certainly, and if people give money to help, I think it's also good discipline and good relationship to repay them, even if they weren't going to ask for repayment... so is that owing them something...? In the verse prior to this one, it says that we are to give to everyone what they are due, whether it's a tax or custom (tangible) or fear or honor (intangible). So this following verse, I think it's really speaking to the bigger picture. I think it's okay to owe some one something, as long as it's still being repaid. I think borrowing is still tricky and, in most cases, ill-advised. But, I think this verse is more about having no outstanding debt (whether tangible or intangible) and repaying as we should, except love, which we should be giving continuously.
     
A) So, on the practical and monetary side of things, keeping discipline in spending is one of the hardest things in life for me. Ultimately, it's just a work in progress. I'm better now than I was even a year ago, so that's good. Seeing my finances as God's resource, and not my own earning, really helps. Also, I don't want to neglect the second part of this verse. I want to be sure I am actively loving those around me. I don't want my family (or friends) to grow up feeling like I didn't love them enough. So, I need to deliberately do things to show love to my wife and children daily (and other family/friends as opportunity presents itself).
     
P) Father, forgive me for my carelessness and selfishness with Your money. You provide graciously for me and I want to honor Your blessings with the way I spend money. Holy Spirit, convict me strongly when I am thinking about spending money I shouldn't spend. I will seek Your voice before spending, and let me hear Your instruction. Help me also recognize that I have an unceasing debt of love to my family and friends. Reveal to me fresh, new, effective ways to show them my love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/31/2012; Proverbs 17:10

Today's reading: Proverbs 16,17,18; Romans 12
    
S) "¹⁰ A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding
Than a hundred blows into a fool."
     

Proverbs 17:10 (NASB)

     

O) This verse didn't remind me of anyone specifically, but it made me think of disciplining my kids. In the earliest forms of discipline, reasoning with a child is pretty pointless. As they grow, though, they are ideally growing in understanding. So, over time, the discipline that comes by way of a spanking will be slowly replaced by rebukes, discussing the deeper meanings and reasonings of why the behavior is wrong and the type of specific and lasting effects it might have. Ultimately, this should be true of every child of God as well, that He won't need to use His strong arm for our discipline, but through His Holy Spirit, we might hear His rebuke and, in our understanding, we'll respond appropriately.
     
A) I must continue to seek understanding and wisdom as it applies to my own walk with God and listen AND obey His voice when the Holy Spirit is trying to guide me. But also, this verse highlights the importance of praying for my kids to have understanding and wisdom, so that they can move past the phase of spankings and into a more meaningful form of discipline that is focused on the spiritual/lasting effects of various behaviors.
     
P) Father, thank You for the wisdom You've given me so far. Please continue to shape me in the form of man, husband, and father. As much understanding as You have ever given me, LORD, I pray that You give even more to my children. Let them have a firm, deep understanding of Your ways. Let them see things with Your perspective. Holy Spirit, begin to reach out to their hearts and draw them in, near the Father, so they can truly know Him with a personal relationship with You, God. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/30/2012; Proverbs 15:2

Today's reading: Proverbs 13,14,15; Romans 11      
S) "² The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable,
But the mouth of fools spouts folly."
     

Proverbs 15:2 (NASB)

     

O) Just because the knowledge is good, doesn't mean people will want to accept it. Enter, the #JesusJuke. The term "Jesus Juke" was something coined by one of my favorite contemporary Christian authors, Jon Acuff and it describes that form of correcting some one, when the conversation is light and maybe trivial, but some one comes in with something super-serious about Jesus/God. For example, "I haven't had a chance to eat yet today, and I'm so hungry!" and the #JesusJuke reply would be, "Oh really, because I bet Jesus was more hungry than that when He fasted for 40 days." And so, this Scripture is exemplified in today's world. Just because it's true, doesn't mean it will be accepted. It needs to be presented with wisdom, or it won't be received.
     
A) So, as a teenager, per the advice of my youth pastor, I started reading a chapter of Proverbs every night. I'm quite sure that I missed several nights, but the important thing is that I started to accept the fact that wisdom is just too important to miss. So, I started asking God for more wisdom. I would pray that very regularly. As I've discussed before, though, my wisdom was unfocused. Now, don't get me wrong, it's still good to ask for more wisdom, but it needs to be specifically applied, because some things are certainly more important than others, where wisdom is involved. So here, I want God's wisdom, but I want it for a specific purpose. My priorities in life are, and in this order, 1) my salvation, 2) Kristin's salvation, 3) the salvation of my children, 4) everything else. That is to say, if I am to lead and teach my children (and to a lesser-needed extent, Kristin), then I must have wisdom in how I deliver the information. I must be giving my children knowledge about God that is receivable, acceptable, able to be seen as good.
     
P) Father, Your grace and goodness to me are without measure. You gave me wisdom when I needed wisdom and Your instruction never left me. Please Father, increase my wisdom now, in how I teach my children Your ways. Let me find the right ways to show them Your justice, mercy, righteousness, and blessings. I want them to see that a lifetime serving and worshiping and honoring You is. the. best. life.! Holy Spirit, continue to rebuke me when I make mistakes. When I am leading my family with a fool's mouth, discipline my lips and remove my folly from me and do not let my careless words make the impression they could. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/29/2012; Romans 10:9-10

Today's reading: Proverbs 10,11,12; Romans 10
    
S) "⁹ that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; ¹⁰ for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."
    

Romans 10:9-10 (NASB)

    

O) It's not enough to believe simply, that Jesus is the Son of God. Satan and the angels believe that (see ). So, the difference is that we don't just "believe in Him" but that we "believe Him" all of Him, all that He says. We believe in our heart that Jesus is whom He said He is, and will do what He said He will do. That is the belief that produces righteousness. Abraham believed in the LORD just fine, after all, he was talking with Him. But Abraham believed in what the LORD was saying, and it was credited as righteousness. Then also, confessing sins is good, and that's how we receive mercy, but it's so much more than that. It's a confession of dependency on God, a confession of His sovereignty over us, a confession that He is in charge, not us. These two things (belief and confession) cannot truly be separated, in my mind at least. It seems pretty clear that, if it's authentic, one produces the other.
     
A) Neither one of these actions are emotional, so I need to continue deliberately, believing by choice that everything that's in the Bible is true, and what God speaks to me is true, and take Him at His word because His words are life to me. For the confession side of things, confession to God is often easier than confession to people. But, the solution is this: I continue to stand firm in my declaration that I am not ashamed of the gospel, according to Romans 1:16.
    
P) Father, increase my faith. I also read in verse 17, that faith comes through hearing Your words about Christ. I have been studying Your words carefully, daily, for almost a full year now, God. I feel like You've taken that and used it to help me grow and help me mature and, without a doubt, my faith has increased according to that promise in Romans 10:17, but I ask that You would also put in me an increase of faith beyond that. Holy Spirit, couple that faith with courage and strength. I am choosing to believe Your words instead of anything else I perceive, LORD. I want to couple that with confession, not just to You directly, but to anyone, and I mean anyone who cares to know it. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/28/2012; Romans 9:19-24

Today's reading: Proverbs 7, 8, 9; Romans 9
    
S)"¹⁹ You will say to me then, 'Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?' ²⁰ On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, 'Why did you make me like this,' will it? ²¹ Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use? ²² What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? ²³ And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, ²⁴ even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles."
     

Romans 9:19:24 (NASB)

     

O) So, this is a lot of scripture to digest, but I simply could not dissect this to journal about one portion of it. Paul so bluntly, but so concisely and precisely addresses what is such a common, common argument from the world. People want to know why God would make them a certain way, and then tell them not to behave per their nature. I see this a lot with homosexuality (despite what I believe, regarding the idea of being born gay, or it being genetic, or anything along those lines). Paul skips right over any response that has to do with the broken world in which we live, and how sin entering the world means we are all born into sin. A person who feels like they were born gay is no different than a person who feels like they were born prone to substance abuse (or was subjected to it early in life with no defense for it), or a person who is constantly struggling with lust, or a person who struggles with greed and materialism. We're all born into a selfish mindset, just look at a toddler snatching a toy from another child. Paul skips any issue like that because it all boils down to one thing: are you going to humble yourself to acknowledge He's sovereign and we can't complain? Are we going to humble ourselves to accept His mercy, and admit that we need mercy, regardless of why we're a sinner? Because even if a person wants to argue that God should not have created them subject to a sinful nature, the simple fact is that He did - but He also offers mercy - all of us can have His mercy.
     
A) Humble myself before the LORD. Humble myself before the LORD. Humble myself before the LORD. Over and over this is in the Bible, not because God wants drones, but because it is impossible to accept His mercy, truly, without a humble heart. Setting aside the fact that arrogance is a sin, in itself, it's nigh impossible to avoid sin and walk in an upright heart with every other temptation, if I am being arrogant or prideful along the way. I cannot abide the lie that God is somehow unfair for my sinful nature. The truth is that God is unfair for His mercy toward me, toward all who are willing to turn their hearts to Him. Life is unfair, but as a child of God, life is unfair in the best possible way.

     

P) Father, I am humbled again in light of Your righteousness and my iniquity. I am humbled again in light of Your mercies and my guilt. Holy Spirit, when I hear that lie, that it's not fair about how God created man, whether I hear it from other people or in my own head as an attack from the enemy, remind me of this exact passage. God, You are unfair and I am thankful for it. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/27/2012; Romans 8:38-39

Today's reading: Proverbs 4,5,6; Romans 8      
S)"³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
     

Romans 8:38-39 (NASB)

     

O) This is such an amazing promise! There's an interesting dynamic that is easily missed, though. This promise is actually conditional (as most of, if not all of, the promises from God are). There's a notion out there that some people have in this country, that since God's love is unconditional, that He would never send people to hell. Or because His love is so strong, He'll save everyone. Now, let me make this clear, every person has the opportunity for this, and it's on the individual to access this, but what I think is misconstrued about this promise, is the idea that it's granted to anyone. It's not, though. The promise clearly says, at the end, that it's only found in Christ Jesus our Lord. This means that if a man is not putting Christ Jesus as his Lord, submitting himself to God's way for his life, then he should not expect that nothing can separate him from the love of God, because he has indeed cut himself off from this promise. The unconditional nature of God's love is true, and constant, and it will not change, and it's unconditional because it is for everyone and because God offers this to everyone, regardless of their past, regardless of their geneology, regardless of gender or race or social status. The difference is whether or not we are choosing to accept His grace and mercy that He has offered for those who are willing to repent and live their lives according to His plan.
     
A) I must continually submit myself to the rule, direction, and authority of Christ Jesus. He is my Lord. That means I hand over every part of my life, allowing Him to make all of my decisions, not just some of the more obvious ones. It's not about making sure I'm going to church, it's not even about escaping hell, at this point. It's about being in love with my savior. Love is not an emotion. And thank God for that! If love were and emotion, how fearful I would be that I might "fall out of love" with Jesus. No, it is a decision; it's a decision I will continue to make daily.

     

P) Father, in 1 John 4:19 says that we love because You first loved us. So truly written, as all Your words are! Your grace to love me, to offer Your son as ransom for my life, this is grace beyond measure. Thank You for providing the way to fulfill Your justice, and yet be reconciled to You, Father. Thank You for this amazing promise that nothing, nothing, can separate me from Your love. Holy Spirit, draw me in daily, to the Father of my grace and mercy, the Father of my spirit. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.