SOAP 12/05/2015; Ephesians 6:12

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

S) "¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."

Ephesians 6:12 (NASB)

O) Honestly, when I saw that I'd be reading from this chapter, I had it in mind to avoid highlighting this particular verse. But, in reading through this chapter, it became clear that this entire chapter revolves around this concept. One of the most important principles that Jesus clarified during His earthly ministry, was the preeminence of the invisible. The defilement of man starting within the heart of man, the kingdom of God being spiritual, and the importance of living by faith. Paul continued this same narrative in this chapter, especially vv.10-17. But, even in the passages before and after the armor of God section, we see that it is the spiritual impact that is highlighted, not the physical.

A) Certainly, there is the direct application. In the face of adversity, I will not win battles by flesh and blood. Things like self-defense, or intervening to protect my neighbor, is certainly part of loving them. Still, I will not advance the gospel (or example) by bloodshed. But, I don't know if I'll ever be in position to avert revolution, or something. So, it's much more likely that this verse will be more aptly applied, by going to the context of loving my wife (back to ch.5), and disciplining my kids or in my work (vv1-9). In the conflicts that occur at home or work, my aim should never be a physical goal, alone. Otherwise, I am aiming to shallow, and not getting to the heart of issues. I cannot lead my marriage without prayer. I cannot discipline my kids without prayer. I cannot effect changes at work, or be successful, training others or resolving conflict or implementing changes, without prayer. As Paul does in the verses that follow the above verse, I also need to ask for prayer, for my prayer life. In my spiritual battles, I should be calling upon other men to help me in the fight.

P) Father, You are holy and eternal. I am profane and temporal, in this flesh. Please continue to sanctify me, teaching me to be holy as You are holy. Specifically, Lord, open my eyes to see the spiritual truth behind the physical circumstances that confront me. Help me to see through the temporal, and into the eternal, so that I can pray effectively. Anything I can do physically is temporary and hollow. It is the spiritual battle that I want to fight and win. I know this principle reaches everything God, so help me to apply it to everything in my life. Guide me to lead my wife spiritually. Guide me to raise my kids spiritually. Guide me to work at my job spiritually. All of it God, I want to do it all Your way. Let Your will be done with my life, not only in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/04/2015; Ephesians 3:20-21

Today's reading: Ephesians 1, 2, 3, 4

S) "²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, ²¹ to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NASB)

O) There is a surface-level point to these closing verses, which is that God is mighty behind comprehension. From there, it is obvious in this passage, that God is doing... something... for us, and based on that, Paul is praising God (and commanding praise). But, as we dig a little deeper, the real treasure of this passage is fully understanding what God is doing. When the verse says, "all that we ask or think," there is a temptation to believe Paul is leaving this undefined, as if this is a blank check that God has handed us, and we may fill in any amount we want, and He'll exceed our asking. In the sense that God is exceedingly good, I suppose that is correct, but the real issue is what are we buying with that blank check. The clue within this passage is the phrase, "the power that works within us," and when read in context with v.16 and 19. Specifically, they say, "strengthened... in the inner man," and "know the love of Christ... filled up to all the fullness of God." So, this passage is not about material gains (although God could exceedingly bless a person). It is not about physical healing (although we will all be raised in glorified bodies, eventually). It is not about really about God exceeding our expectations in our prayer requests, unless that prayer request is to become more like God in the likeness of His character. This passage is an encouragement to about spiritual growth and maturity.

A) First, I cannot let myself take this passage out of context, because I hear people use the first half of v.20 a lot, as encouragement for whatever prayer request they have. While God's character is still exceedingly good, I don't want to be tempted into thinking this verse is promising some kind of prosperity that it is not. Beyond that caution, though, this passage is a great encouragement to me, as I am certainly seeking spiritual growth and maturity. I desire to know the fullness of the love of Christ. I desire to be strengthened in my inner man. These are eternal qualities. These give me hope in the face of adversity. These give me advantage in the face of temptation. These bring me into a closer, stronger relationship with Jesus.

P) Father, there is no strength I would rather have increased, than inner strength. This wretched, corrupted flesh is destined for fire. There is no knowledge I would rather have increased, more than my knowledge of Your love for me, God. Everything else I could know will become useless when You bring new creation to the universe. Help me to remember this passage in its context every time I hear a reference to it, even if the person talking was taking it out of context. Let me be encouraged to pursue spiritual discipline, and growth, above all else. Be glorified as I mature by Your grace. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/03/2015; Romans 15:1-3

Today's reading: Romans 13, 14, 15, 16

S) "¹ Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. ² Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. ³ For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, 'The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.'"

Romans 15:1-3 (NASB)

O) This concept is within the command Jesus gave, that we ought to love our neighbors as ourselves. In that sense, this concept should not be news to most Christians. Certainly, as Paul says in v.1, to any "strong" Christian, this should be the easily accepted norm of their lives. However, as common as this teaching should be, and as easily as we can see that Christ served His disciples (and indeed the whole world), the way Paul breaks this down practically, leaves little room for interpretation in the command Jesus gave in the first. After all, who can decide what is "loving" toward our neighbors? But, in v.2 Paul makes the case that our goal is to please our neighbor. When it is put in this clear, unmistakable context, it can make people more than a little uncomfortable. It cannot be left only with the statement to "please his neighbor," though. Paul says that it must also be for his good, to his edification. So, if my neighbor wants to do something sinful, I am not commanded to help him with that. If my neighbor wants to do something that is going to hurt them, or is foolish (i.e., not edifying), then I am not obligated to help them.

A) Being transparent in this journaling is going to make it the most effective, both for myself here and now, but also for anyone interested in my experiences (if, by God's grace, my life can be used to help others and glorify God). So, being honest about it, this verse makes me very uncomfortable. The idea of living my life with a completely selfless goal of pleasing others, and not pleasing myself, is... un-American. It's certainly not what the world would have me do. In our consumer-capitalism, everything I hear is about some form of hedonism. While I think it is okay to take pleasure in what I do (whether that is something for God or for others, or even for entertainment), whether or not I enjoy something should never be the motivating factor in my behavior. The simple truth is that I am not my own. It is not up to me to seek out my will. I am not sovereign, I belong to Christ. As His subject, I am declaring allegiance to His Kingdom. As such, I am obligated by that subjugation, to obey His Way. So, when I have my mind correctly oriented to this truth, then I can begin seeing my marriage correctly as opportunities to serve God by seeking to please my wife. I can begin seeing my fatherhood correctly as opportunities to serve God by seeking to please my kids. Honestly, that is uncomfortable to my sinful, selfish heart. I can begin seeing my friendships, my work relationships, all of this life, as opportunities to serve God by seeking to please others, and not to please myself. To put this in a practical life circumstance: what if, before I turn on my videogame, I asked everyone in my family if there is something I can do for them? My flesh is screaming about that, "Will I ever get to play videogames again, then?!" But, if anything, that is proof-positive that this is the right way; this is God's way. My approach must be one of humility, that I realize I have something to offer people. Sure, there are other Christians who are "stronger" than me, but that doesn't free me from my obligation to those who are, in fact, "weaker" than me, including but not limited to my own family. This should be, perhaps, what it means to me when I hear the hyped phrase, "Family First."

P) Father, You are righteous in all of Your ways, including Your command of my life. I confess to the selfishness I now see, because of the clarity and conviction of Your Word. Forgive me of this sin, God. I am not my own, I confess that. I declare that I am Your servant, and it is Your right to command me. Receive all honor and glory, by my obedience, Lord God. Thank You for the grace at work in me, that You would continue to discipline me and sharpen me and shape me, into the man You designed me to be. Please continue Your work within me, from my heart outward until I am glorified with Christ at the Resurrection. Let Your will be done, and let me seek to please others instead of myself. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/02/2015; Psalm 115:8

Today's reading: Romans 9, 10, 11, 12*

S) "⁸ Those who make them will become like them,
Everyone who trusts in them."

Psalm 115:8 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 115

O) Through vv.5-7, we see a judgment against idols. They are accurately described as utterly useless. Even still, the heathens who worshiped these statues would cling to them as real gods, and they would mock the real God they could not perceive. The biblical truth is that everyone worships, whether or not they believe in God, or the supernatural. And, whether the idol is money, or food, or sex, or an actual statue, or a monument, or a plant or animal, the futility of worshiping all of these false gods is the same. Worship of something will make people more like the objects they worship, and ultimately they will be destined for destruction just like every idol.

A) For myself, this verse brings warning, but also hope. There is warning, because I am still prone to setting up idols in my heart. There is the idol of lust, the idol of leisure, the idol of money. Essentially, they are all of the things (or even concepts) that the world tells me are so vitally important. And, in my flesh, and in times of lack of discipline, I can still fall prey to those traps. The hope, however, is that I can change to focus of my worship. I can rightly set my heart on the LORD, alone. When I make Him the only target of my worship, then I can become more like Him, trusting in Him.

P) Father, You alone are worthy of my devotion and worship. Only You are powerful to save, and wise in counsel, and loving in discipline. Only You can bring life to the dead, and redeem the lost. This is my own testimony, that You have brought me from death to life, and You have saved me mightily, and You have given me wisdom for counsel, and You have disciplined me with love. Still, I confess that I am broken in this flesh, prone to sin. I have failed to keep You holy, and have erected idols in my heart. Please forgive me, but not only that. Please help me destroy these idols, which have deceived me and tempted me to become like them, destined for destruction. Cleanse my heart, and renew a right spirit within me, Lord. Let Your will be done in my heart, and in my life, in the world, as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/01/2015; Psalm 112:7

Today's reading: Romans 5, 6, 7, 8*

S) "⁷ He will not fear evil tidings;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord."

Psalm 112:7 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 112

O) This whole psalm is praising God for the blessings that He gives to those who fear Him. In reverence to the LORD, there are direct blessings He gives (see v.3), but there are also indirect blessings (still from God, since He made us this way). The verse above is one of the side effects of fearing the LORD, only. There is the obvious sort of exclusion, that if we fear "only God" then that leaves no room left to fear anyone or anything else. But, it isn't really scripted that way. What actually happens is that, as we fear the LORD, we trust Him. As we trust Him, we fear everything else less. That is why the word used for fearing the LORD can also usually be translated as "revere," since it's not exactly the same as fearing death, or fearing punishment, etc. So, this is not a matter of one fear displacing another, as if our brains are only capable of fearing one thing at a time. Instead, this is a matter of our reverence for God, maturing into trusting Him, which then dissolves all fears of evil tidings.

A) Fear of the LORD is a hot topic for me, because it is definitely not something I do by my personality. While many people struggle with pride on some level, when I was in the world my pride bent me to disrespect authority with complete irreverence. It was pretty active. In that sense, I do very much have to choose to revere God. I have to choose to make myself subject to Him. I have to choose humility and fear. Relative to this verse, I need to remember that fearing no evil tiding comes from trusting in the LORD, not trusting in my own ability, wisdom, or strength. We never want to believe that anything truly evil will come upon us, but in reality, evil has many forms and ample opportunity. The only thing preventing more evil from touching my life, is really the grace of God (see: Job). So, with that in mind, if I am thinking that I can protect or preserve myself, then what I am really doing is telling God that He can remove His hand from me, and let every evil come upon me. In that way, I am being irreverent toward God, because I am not correctly valuing His strength, provision, protection, wisdom, or even His sovereignty. If I am exalted, then He is not. In that sense, there can be only one object of my reverence: God or me. The truth is, when I am humble and grounded, and thinking of it clearly, I am terrified at the thought of facing evil on my own. Only God can help me face it, and He knows exactly what I can handle. In that way, I easily recognize how mighty He truly is, and how greatly He is to be feared. Then, it is easy to trust Him. Then, when evil tidings do come, my heart will be steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

P) Father, Your grace is astounding. I am thoroughly humbled by these realizations today. Understanding that it is only by Your grace, that I do not face every evil that the devil could throw at me, this is a sobering truth. Understanding that You only allow what You know I can resist, and that You equip me and lead me, in order that I may walk in victory, this is the most humbling. You have rigged every encounter I have, stacking the odds in my favor! It is only because of You, that I have a fighter's chance. But, even more than that, I can have every victory, because You have already paid the price and defeated my enemy! Help me to continue to be mindful, revering and fearing Your, LORD. Help me to continue trusting in You alone, for strength, wisdom, and ability. Open my eyes and ears, that I may continue to glorify Your name in every circumstance. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 11/30/2015; Psalm 109:24

Today's reading: Romans 1, 2, 3, 4*

S) "²⁴ My knees are weak from fasting,
And my flesh has grown lean, without fatness."

Psalm 109:24 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 109

O) David was betrayed by many people, including some of his own children, and this psalm was written in response to betrayal. There is actually a prophetic correlation to Judas (see v.8 and Acts 1:20), although we don't know exactly who David meant in his time. But, as we continue to read and come upon the verse above, we see that David's commitment to God, in prayer and fasting, remains steady. He understood very well, how any person could turn on any person, at a moments notice. Betrayal was not strange to him, even personally, since he had betrayed Uriah the Hittite. So, he also understood very well, that the only reliable, unchanging, trustworthy relationship he had, was with the LORD Himself. So, as with many of his difficult times, David turned to God in prayer and fasting, worship and praise. There is probably hyperbole at work in the verses above, but maybe not as much as some might presume. After all, when his first child by Bathsheba fell ill (see 2 Samuel 12:15), he fasted for seven days. There is no reason to doubt that he might fast as long again, or longer, when facing other betrayals against himself.

A) This verse struck me, because of two things. First, that David was willing to fast so far past discomfort, to even become detrimental to his physical self. This is an example f selflessness (denying his body necessary food) that is repeatable. I should be willing (given cause) to fast until it hurts. Not just missing a meal, and not just fasting for a day so that I am uncomfortable. But when occasion strikes, I should be willing to fast multiple days in order to devote myself to prayer for a cause greater than my own (although, some might argue David had selfish motives, I'd say it was still a matter of leading God's people in righteousness). The second thing, is that David was transparent with God about how hard it was. Really, this borders on complaint (as David was sometimes wont to do), but it was about baring his heart to God. I don't tend to complain much, but could it be that it's also because I don't do much that is hard? Maybe I need to challenge myself to a higher standard, and maybe I'll border complaining, too. Fasting is not about achievements. Fasting is not a hunger strike to get what I want. But, in times of distress, when I really need to focus my prayers because I know that only the miraculous finger of God will meet the need, then I should be willing to fast until my knees are weak, and I start shedding weight.

P) Father, Your grace is sufficient for me. I know that You have already completed the most important work. And in fact, You complete all of the work, in the most important sense. Such is the nature of Your grace for us. But, I also know that You invite me to participate in the work of Your kingdom. Fasting has not been part of my work, lately. I want to rededicate myself to fasting regularly, God. I want to use it as a tool for devoted prayer, and spiritual breakthrough and freedom, and selfless love. Give me the courage to fast until it hurts. I want my prayers and fasting to be meaningful, Lord. I know that if it doesn't cost something, it's not worth much. So, I want my times of fasting and prayer to cost me, to cost more than mild discomfort. Give me direction and vision. Increase my faith. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 11/29/2015; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2

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

S) "¹ Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, ² that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come."

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 (NASB)

O) In the verses that follow this, Paul does go into some esoteric descriptions of warnings, about times to come. There are somewhat famous descriptions given, and they have a role in forming eschatology. However, we cannot overlook how he opens the chapter. He stresses that they cannot be distracted by what people are saying, about Jesus coming or having already come. Whether or not there is some great tribulation coming, and regardless of when exactly there is a rapture, Paul is reminding them not to be shaken, not to be nervous, not to be distracted into taking their eyes off of Jesus Himself.

A) End times prophecies are difficult to parse out. However, passages like this one are firm reminders for me to not be bothered by not having exact answers. In fact, I don't even think I have to have firm opinions about a lot of what could be coming. I know for sure Jesus will return. I know for sure that when my own judgment day comes, whether that is tonight, or in ten years, or on the Final Judgment Day, I must be found in Christ. I know that if I am found in Christ when I am judged, then His righteousness will be granted to me as my own, and I will forever be glorified with Christ, in God. My composure about these things, I cannot be shaken. I will not be disturbed by books about blood moons, or calculations from the date Israel became a nation again in the U.N. The day of the Lord may come tomorrow, or beyond my time on earth. Either way, I am resolved to be in Him, both now and forever.

P) Father, You are such a great comfort! Thank You for the peace You give, in the face of so much other uncertainty. I am amazed, even still, at how Your simple truths can overcome countless unknown details (I mean unknown to me, of course You know all things). Thank You for that peace, God. Let that very same peace be a great point of reference, for sharing the gospel with others. Be glorified in my life, in my peace. May I always be found in Christ, both now and forevermore. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 11/28/2015; 1 Thessalonians 2:7

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

S) "⁷ But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children."

1 Thessalonians 2:7 (NASB)

O) Paul was confirming his relationship to the church in Thessalonica, that he had great affection for them. He was encouraging them that his exhortations and teachings were because of his great love for them, and that his motives were pure. In this particular verse, he conveys his relationship as a nurturing one. In his letters, he might come across very stern, but he didn't want the people of the church to misinterpret and forget his gentleness and care for this church, which he viewed as his children.

A) Evangelism is tricky for me to reconcile in my head, sometimes. On the one hand, I understand the simplicity of sharing my testimony and maybe inviting someone to church. On the other hand, I see how Paul talked to the churches he planted. His intimacy with them was heartfelt and deep. He was not dropping off a tract with a Bible verse and a phone number or address. He invested in lives. Sometimes I see that and I think that's how I ought to do it. On the other hand, that takes a lot of time and energy, and it seems like I just don't have that level of availability. Then I remember that, for one thing, I have children of my own who need to know the gospel. They need to be made disciples of Christ. Also, I have family members who do not love Jesus. There is time and opportunity there, already. After all, I already have intimacy (at least to some, varying degrees) built with them. I don't need to imagine some weekend crusade, hitting the streets with the gospel and a bull horn. I don't need to imagine some mentoring process with me and some stranger I don't even know. I need to focus on reaching the people I already love, who don't know Jesus Christ like they might. I need to be gentle among them, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. I need to be peaceful and gracious. But, through all of that, I still need to be bold and honest. I need to remember that evangelism is not about brow-beating or manipulating. It's about lovingly investing in someone (that I probably already love), and sharing my story with transparency, and trusting God with the rest.

P) Father, Your goodness and grace are real. I do believe it. I am not ashamed or unsure of the truth in the gospel. But, I confess to being afraid. I am afraid of rejection, and afraid of animosity. I'm afraid that people I already love will not love You. I know that only You can save people, though. I know that it is the Holy Spirit who draws people to the truth, and opens eyes and ears, and soften hearts. None of these are my responsibilities. It is only up to me to speak up. So, please send Your Spirit among my unsaved family. Open eyes and ears, and soften hearts. And give me the boldness to speak up. I cannot honestly ask for opportunity, because I know it is already there. So instead, I ask for Your perfect timing, and my immediate obedience. Let me trust in Your will, and plan, and sovereignty. But, don't let me leave anything on the table. I don't want to leave any cards in my hands. Be glorified in all my life, and let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.