SOAP 10/25/2015; Acts 21:13-14

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

S) "¹³ Then Paul answered, 'What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.' ¹⁴ And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, 'The will of the Lord be done!'"

Acts 21:13-14 (NASB)

O) Paul had determined to go to Jerusalem, but by this point, he had a widespread reputation among the Jews (particularly from the region of Asia), and he was frequently on the run from them. Upon coming to Caesarea, many people were prophesying and praying with and for Paul. Finally, a prophet named Agabus prophesied that Paul would be bound and arrested. However, Paul would not be deterred. The remarkable thing here, is the devout obedience that each party displayed. Abagus was faithful to the words the LORD gave him, despite knowing Paul's intent. Paul still obeys the direction the Lord gave him, understanding his mission fully. In a way, the certainty of the danger, was probably a comfort to Paul, because it was confirmation that his Lord was truly in control. By telling him ahead of time, it seems that the hardship would be easier to ride out.

A) Jesus Christ never promised personal safety or earthly victories, and no one understood this more than the apostle Paul. But, Paul counted himself as nothing. Personally, he was willing to die, again and again, so that wasn't the part that was hard. And, frankly, I often feel the same way about myself. However, as Paul so plainly points out - it's the tragic loss, mourning, and misunderstanding of others, that truly concerns me. If I was being called to something radical, something costly, and even if I received personal prophesy assuring me of the danger - could I still be obedient, knowing that my loved ones would grieve? It takes premeditated, determined obedience. That kind of obedience does not come easily, but it always, always worth the costs. This is what it means to be a disciple: being obedient, even when knowing that the risks aren't risks at all, but certainties of hardships.

P) Father, You are worth every loss, every risk - even when it's not actually risk and it's certain hardship. You are worth everything I have, and everything I could have. I make this declaration before I face any real hardships ahead. I am determined to become a more devoted disciple, but not of my own strength. I know that it will only come through maturing in the Holy Spirit, and by Your words shaping my heart. Change me into the obedient, devoted disciple I know You want me to be, and that I myself do want to be. Let Your will alone be done, Father God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/24/2014; Job 15:1-3

Today's reading: Job 15; Acts 19, 20

S) "¹ Then Eliphaz the Temanite responded,

^2 'Should a wise man answer with windy knowledge
And fill himself with the east wind?
^3 'Should he argue with useless talk,
Or with words which are not profitable?'"

Job 15:1-3 (NASB)

O) This response was brought, because Eliphaz saw Job's words, in chapter 14, as pointless, as Job was speaking of the finality of death, and how it would be better for him. The expression was only hypothetical, and not actually practical, as Job was never in a position to end his own life. This response that Eliphaz had, is essentially speaking against hollow philosophies (see Colossians 2:8). He recognized that sort of talk as unfruitful (useless and not profitable), and ultimately not wisdom.

A) This is a little tricky, because I don't think that discussing hypothetical scenarios is strictly unwise. There are obviously times when it is downright wrong (like existentialism), but there are also times when it can be quite appropriate (like imagining consequences for not resisting temptation). I think the key difference to evaluate, is really examining the "direction" of the "windy knowledge." If the hypotheticals discussed are pointed in a direction that seeks hope, joy, peace, purity, and the LORD, then it can be right (although, again, getting carried away can still be quite unproductive). Anything that points in the direction of despair, rejection, or sin, this is obviously the wrong direction, and it should be avoided. The most crucial point to make, is that the overwhelming majority of consideration and discussion, when facing any hardship or uncertainty, should be on the LORD and what the Bible actually says. This is the opposite of "windy knowledge," as the Jesus is the Word made flesh, and also the Rock of our salvation.

P) Father, Your wisdom is always productive and fruitful, leading to action and life. I don't want to waste time debating hypotheticals that will never come to bear in my life. When I am facing uncertainty, struggles, hardships, or decisions, let me seek You first, leaning on Your Word and the Holy Spirit, to direct me in the paths of understanding, knowledge, and wisdom. Guide my steps as I seek to follow You closely. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/23/2014; Job 13:5

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

S) "⁵ O that you would be completely silent,
And that it would become your wisdom!"

Job 13:5 (NASB)

O) Job was addressing his friends here. In particular, he was addressing the fact that their "advice" was just repeated cliché, that really wasn't relevant, let alone that it wasn't applicable. Remembering their first 7 days spent together, back at the end of chapter 2, Job advises his friends with the above words.

A) There are times that I am a good listener, and then there is most of the time! In truth, I work on it, because I know how very vital it is to wisdom. Whether that is used for my own decision making, or used to counsel others, I want to be silent more often, when appropriate (as during specific conversations). None of this even touches on te importance of being silent before the LORD (which is invaluable, too).

P) Father, Your wisdom is above all else. Before any other understanding, I want to know and fear You. I want to acquire every wisdom, all knowledge, and any intelligence You will for me to have. Not only does that benefit me, my family, and my ministry in the best ways, but it gives You the most glory. Help me learn in silent moments, not just by what I hear others say, but with ears You open to hear Your words. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/22/2014; Job 11:11

Today's reading: Job 11, 12; Acts 15, 16

S) "¹¹ For He knows false men,
And He sees iniquity without investigating."

Job 11:11 (NASB)

O) There is a lot of context, with which this verse appears. However, in a rare case, this verse excellently describes God with a profound truth in a simple statement, that can be extracted from the chapter while maintaining its complete truth. The LORD does not learn. He isn't surprised. He does not have opinions. He is not subject to our thought processes. God does not see things the way we see things. Truth is not relative. God cannot be deceived, mocked, delayed, tricked, mislead, convinced, or educated.

A) First of all, I cannot excuse my sin. There are no extenuating circumstances that I can tell my Lord. Second, I need to remember that God knew what He was getting, when He chose to redeem me. This has a huge implication! This is the foundation for the truth of Romans 5:8! The truth of His love that is proven in His foreknowledge of my sin, and His willingness to pay for it with His own Son, is the final point: thanksgiving, and confidence in His love.

P) Father, Your wisdom, insight, and understanding have no limits. Your mercy displayed on the cross, in full view of my every sin, is nothing short of amazing. When the enemy speaks lies about Your view of me, remind me of this verse. When my flesh wants to hide my sin, remind me of this verse. When I remember this verse, may it bring forth unceasing thanksgiving and worship. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/21/2014; Job 10:15-16

Today's reading: Job 9, 10; Acts 13, 14

S) "¹⁵ If I am wicked, woe to me!
And if I am righteous, I dare not lift up my head.
I am sated with disgrace and conscious of my misery.
¹⁶ Should my head be lifted up, You would hunt me like a lion;
And again You would show Your power against me."

Job 10:15-16 (NASB)

O) This is the epitome of a "Catch 22" found in the life and words of Job. He continued to assert his innocence, but here he realizes a futility in his plea. The predicament is that, even if he is righteous, he cannot lift up his head, because he knows he is unworthy. That would make his act haughty and therefore unrighteous. Job sees how miserable his situation is, because there is no human solution. This is an excellent example of our need for a savior. There was no solution for Job within his own ability or power.

A) This passage exposes the need for external salvation. We do not have the power, means, ability, or design "within us" to solve the problem of sin. While Job's behavior was righteous, he knew he was still unworthy to approach God. He was still a sinful creature, unholy, unable to approach his Maker without that act of approach being a behavioral sin. This feels incredibly similar to me, to the tricky bits of humility. There is no solution to arrogance within myself. If I am only ever trying to deflect praise, recognition, or accolades, then it will only serve to tear apart the confidence I have in the abilities God has given me. It isn't humility, it is a denial of my Creator. Only considering myself, though, there is no solution. It is an aimless deflection that does not fulfill God's purpose. The solution is not deflection, but reflection. I am created for His glory. If I am successful, and I deflect, that is still robbing the LORD of His due glory. If I reflect that praise onto Him, though? That is humility. That reflection honors Him, apart from me. I rely on my Creator to do well, and also to be humble about it. So, in more ways than one, I cannot be humble without Him. I will not be humble by my (sinful) nature, so I need Him to change me. I cannot be humble without my Creator receiving glory, so I need to reflect it onto Him.

P) Father, You are mighty and sovereign, showing grace and goodness to those You wish to give it. I do not want to rob You of the glory You deserve, by claiming what belongs to You, and neither do I want to rob You by omission. Do not let my lips be silent, but let me praise and thank You for every good gift You have given. You have been exceedingly good to me, and You deserve direct credit for that. Do not let my lips be silent. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/20/2014; Job 6:24-25

Today's reading: Job 6, 7, 8; Acts 12

S) "²⁴ Teach me, and I will be silent;
And show me how I have erred.
²⁵ How painful are honest words!
But what does your argument prove?"

Job 6:24-25 (NASB)

O) The story of Job is compelling, because we are told of his innocence from the beginning. So, when his friends started debating with him, probing for the sin that they were certain existed, we know as we read that he is innocent. The afflictions that the LORD allowed, were not punishment toward Job. So, where we read that Job asserts his blameless behavior, we can side with him. In light of his factually upright behavior, we can read the above verses with a more complete understanding. Job is essentially confirming the previous chapter (see Job 5), where one of his friends had implored him to seek the LORD, so that this affliction might be a just discipline to Job, and God would then restore him (see Job 5:17). But, in his defense, Job invites correction and discipline. He doesn't even deny what he has also known about God's justice and discipline. He simply says, "Please show me my guilt!" because he honestly does not know where he erred.

A) I think the most significant part of this passage is the last question. In counseling, the question Job poses to his friends is one of the most significant questions I can ask myself, before asking anything else: "What is the goal of my words?" Honest words can be quite painful, which is why We are commanded that to speak the truth in love (see Ephesians 4:15). But, if the pain is unavoidable, then it needs to be worthwhile. Admonishment is a biblical and necessary function of good counseling. However, posing hypothetical accusations is worse than silence. I cannot argue for argument's sake (see v.26). My goal should always be to bring the conversation back to what the Bible says. This is seldom done best with accusations, and most often best done with questions. In the counseling office at our church, on the wall are the words, "Accusations condemn, questions convict." The goal is to teach, heal, and grow; if I do the same with them, then all the better.

P) Father, I want to be used in counseling ministry, but according to Your will. I do not want to teach and counsel based on my previous experiences, but based on Your words. Remind me of my purpose, in every encounter. Let me prayerfully, and carefully choose my words, being very conscious of the goal I have: to bring people to the healing power of Your holy Word, so that You can be proven true, compassionate, slow to anger, and great in lovingkindness. Let Your will alone be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/19/2014; Psalm 108:1-2

Today's reading: Job 5; Psalm 108; Acts 10, 11

S) "¹ My heart is steadfast, O God;
I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul.
² Awake, harp and lyre;
I will awaken the dawn!"

Psalm 108:1-2 (NASB)

O) In this Psalm, David breaks forth jubilantly in determined praise. I was struck by the suddenness of the way this Psalm starts. Interestingly, the footnote on the word "soul" says that it is literally "glory" in Hebrew. There is a determination that goes with the idea of a steadfast heart, and right away, to start, David comes first with a humility. He is forfeiting what would give himself glory, and he is singing to the LORD with it (i.e., his musical talents). The second verse comes with immediacy, as David is up before sunrise, ready to sing praises! This is pre-meditated devotion.

A) In the Autumn, in Washington, it is dark most of the day's hours. Lately, I am up before sunrise, on my way to work. It has become my joy to spend time walking to the bus while reading my Bible. That has been my practice for the last 6 months or so. Recently, though (last 2 weeks or so), I have been specifically enjoying worshiping in that time. It has been sporadic, though, and unplanned. While spontaneous worship has its merits, I want my worship to also be planned. In light of that, I am determining (for an indefinite span) to "awaken the dawn!" with my worship.

P) Father, simply put, You are the best, and I want to give You my best. I don't want my time of worship to be "when I think of it," type of time. You deserve so much more than that. I want to, with determined devotion, worship You before my day really gets going. Before I do anything else significant, I want to sing my praises to You. Let my worship and praise bless You. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.