SOAP 04/16/2016; Hosea 5:11

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 18; 1 Chronicles 6; Psalm 11; Matthew 3*

S) "¹¹ Ephraim is oppressed, crushed in judgment,
Because he was determined to follow man’s command."

Hosea 5:11 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Hosea 5

O) Hosea was given a word against several tribes of Israel, including Judah and Benjamin (although they were still a separate kingdom). But, it is the judgment against Ephraim that seems to be highlighted in this chapter. In this line, God specifically rebuked them because their allegiance was to people, instead of to God. The leaders were more concerned with giving people what they wanted, following their direction, instead of leading them. They were determined to follow the crowd, instead of following the LORD. Because of that, they themselves were oppressed and crushed. The judgment itself needs to be kept in context, though. Ephraim was also said to have a wound and a sickness, but those are metaphors, just as God described Himself as a moth and a lion against them. So also, their oppressed and crushed sentence was not really a physical one.

A) There is a spiritual affliction that takes place when I go along with the ways of the world. If I allow myself to be swayed by popular opinion, as opposed to being led by the truth of Scripture, then I will find myself with an oppressed and crushed spirit within me. That will be the beginning of a spiral, leading me to depression and a whole host of other issues. The solution, is to be determined in my obedience to God's word. By determining to follow God's command, I will continue to walk in freedom and peace. Even though that will put me at odds with the world, more often than not, there will be no oppression or crushing me. Then, I will be like Paul said, I will not be crushed, I will not be destroyed (see 2 Corinthians 4:7-10).

P) Father God, I am determined to follow Your command and none other. Your ways lead to life and peace, joy and hope. The ways of man lead to death and destruction. There is no real choice to make, in this regard. You are so full of grace toward us, Lord. You are so full of compassion, so patient and kind. Thank You for being the good Father You are. Help me to be bold in my devotion, and focused on seeking You. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, and I desire to obey You in every way, and only You. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/15/2016; Hosea 4:6

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 17; Psalm 9; Matthew 2*

S) "⁶ My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also will reject you from being My priest.
Since you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children."

Hosea 4:6 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Hosea 4

O) The key here, is to understand that the people didn't lose knowledge, as if it was taken from them, or as if the knowledge itself had faded. They rejected the knowledge. So, when we get to the next line and read that they had forgotten the law, we know from context that it is an active forgetting. It is a choice they made to behave as if they couldn't remember. This is the same with how God responds in both lines. He rejected His people from being priests, and He forgot their children. He didn't cease being omniscient, but He judged to behave toward them as if He couldn't remember them. So, having the knowledge itself is only a part of it. The more important, more determining factor, is what happens because of, or what happens with, that knowledge.

A) The context here, is that God's chosen people were living as if they didn't know Him, so He treated them as if He didn't know them. In my own life, this has direct application where studying the Bible is concerned. I can have all of the knowledge of the Bible in its entirety, but if I'm living my life rejecting that knowledge, disallowing it to change my behavior, then the knowledge is empty. Can I really claim to know it, if it's not actually changing my life? After all, it is full of verses like this, warning against ignorance, admonishing me to let God's words affect my life. So, knowing and knowing are different. If I am reading the Bible every day, and journaling about it every day, but I am not changing every day accordingly, then I still lack the knowledge of what I've read.

P) Father, Your wisdom and understanding, Your knowledge, has no limits. You are also perfect in Your judgments and actions. This example of perfect behavior based on complete knowledge is a holiness that I could never hope to reach on my own. But, You are calling me to that same perfect holiness. In You, I can gain a more complete knowledge. In the Holy Spirit, I can walk in the righteousness that is credited to me in my faith. I know that there is a balance between faith and works, and just as my faith is proved by my works, so is my knowledge proved by my behavior. So, increase my knowledge of You, and of Your ways, and help me to walk it out. Give me the discipline I need to be faithful in my actions, to the knowledge I profess. I want You to be glorified by my lifestyle, Lord. Help me to keep Your glory in mind with everything I do. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/14/2016; Hosea 3:5

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 15, 16; 1 Chronicles 5; Matthew 1*

S) "⁵ Afterward the sons of Israel will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king; and they will come trembling to the Lord and to His goodness in the last days."

Hosea 3:5 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Hosea 3

O) Hosea was told specifically, to go marry an adulterous woman. This would have been shameful, foolish, and ridiculous in the most literal sense. Once again, God was using marriage as a simile, so that His people would understand their spiritual obligation to Him, and therefore their spiritual adultery against Him. He declared in v.4 that they would have no prince, king, sacrifice, pillar, ephod, or even household idols. They would go through a period of spiritual emptiness, until the words above were fulfilled in Christ. Jesus Christ was the King, the David, the Savior and Messiah they were seeking.

A) When I think of presenting the gospel, sometimes it seems very complicated. I tend to over-think what should be said. I try to predict objections and prepare rebuttals. I try to think what people may be lacking, that God would fulfill in their lives. There is the obvious danger of hell, but here on earth that can seem quite ethereal and even hypothetical. However, what every person wants, what every person needs, is hope. Every person struggles with disappointments, hurts, and uncertainty. Money will never be the answer, drugs will never be the answer, family will never be the answer. Live, love, laugh, will only distract for a moment, but it won't actually change anything. However, the hope of Jesus Christ, the hope of a righteous King, the hope of righteous justice, the hope of healing and forgiveness, these are things that are found with the Lord GOD, and Jesus Christ the King. Not everyone is willing to admit their need for hope. Not everyone is willing to trust that in Jesus that hope is real. But, it is there. It's as simple as presenting the hope, and seeing who is willing to return to their loving Father.

P) Father, You are good. You are patient and full of lovingkindness. You are righteous and just. You are merciful and compassionate. I know these things. I have experienced these things. I have been hopeless without You and hopeful with You. I confess that sometimes my fear of rejection by people ties my tongue. I want to be bold, though. I want to declare without fear or shame, that Your hope is real. I cannot see the hearts of people, only You can. So, let me trust Your timing. Let me trust the leading of the Holy Spirit. Let me walk in the boldness where You're calling me. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/13/2016; Joel 3:20

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 14; 1 Chronicles 4; 2 Corinthians 13*

S) "²⁰ But Judah will be inhabited forever
And Jerusalem for all generations."

Joel 3:20 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Joel 3

O) Perhaps the most important thing to point out while studying Joel, is captured in Joel 2:28-29. Because that took place at the day of Pentecost (see Acts 2:17-18), then as we move through the rest of Joel's prophecy (in this case, all of chapter 3), then we must understand it to be taking place after the church age had started. With that understanding, reading through the rest of Joel, we easily understand that Judah and Jerusalem are spiritual symbols of God's people, but in the context of the church age, those people are no longer the political nation of Judah, or the geographical city of Jerusalem, but instead that God's people are the church itself, and the kingdom of God being spiritually established through Christ Jesus. There are certainly those who take this to have a more geo-political meaning, but I don't think there is a very strong case for it, given the readily apparent shift throughout the New Testament writings, from referring to the nation of Israel as God's people, to referring to Christians as the true Israel (see Romans 2:25-29).

A) So, in the context that Judah and Jerusalem are allusions to the Church and Christianity, this verse holds an immutable promise to me! There is a lot of fear in some circles of western Christianity, that our faith is under attack from politicians, atheists, or Islam. However, this verse comforts me, reminding me that I have nothing to fear whatsoever, that Christianity could ever be overcome. There has always been opposition from politicians, unbelievers, and threats from other religions. But, over and over and over, the truth of Christ Jesus and the power of the gospel overcomes. The church will be inhabited forever, God's kingdom for all generations.

P) Father, You are victorious. You are omnipotent and sovereign, and no one could ever defeat the one who defeated sin and death. While Your final judgment is still coming, I wait patiently. I am secure in Christ, no matter who may come against Him and me. Thank You for Your promises, which no one and no power can ever break. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/12/2016; 1 Chronicles 2:13-16

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 13; 1 Chronicles 2, 3; 2 Corinthians 12

S) "¹³ and Jesse became the father of Eliab his firstborn, then Abinadab the second, Shimea the third, ¹⁴ Nethanel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, ¹⁵ Ozem the sixth, David the seventh; ¹⁶ and their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the three sons of Zeruiah were Abshai, Joab and Asahel."

1 Chronicles 2:13-16 (NASB)

O) This is not a huge revelation, but somehow it had always escaped me that Joab and King David were related, much less that they were related so closely. Joab was the nephew of the king, although we don't know what kind of age separated them. David was the youngest boy in his family, and he only had two sisters. Because Zeruiah could have been born anywhere in line among her brothers, Joab could certainly have been older than his uncle and king. All three of these nephews, Abshai, Joab, and Asahel, would become pivotal people in the ascension of David to the throne over all the tribes of Israel, and Joab had the biggest role.

A) This highlights God's nature, because it reminds me that I have a lot of choices to make in my life, but I don't choose my siblings, and I don't choose the family that is born around me. However, God certainly knows, and by His grace, I was born into the Cannelora family, into this generation. This is not to say that all of the things that happened in and to my family, and to me, were by divine ordination. However, they were no mystery to God. My parents, my older brothers, my aunts, uncles, and other relatives, had all been born already. And then God put me into this family - that much can't really be argued. So, I need to look at my family through the lens of grace. I need to remember that God put me among them. That doesn't mean I will always get along with them. It does mean I should afford them all patience and grace. God made me to be their relative. He will certainly equip me to handle that. Even more to the point, it really is a blessing to be part of this family, despite all of the complicated (and sometimes very dark) family history. I can be the start of something new. There can be a revival among Canneloras that starts with my generation. Whether I become as prominent in my family as David, or even as important as Joab, I do not know. Maybe I'll serve as small and short a role as Asahel. The most important thing for me to remember, though, is that God knew when and where I would be born. It was not a mistake that I was born to the parents I had.

P) Father, Your wisdom and grace are beyond compare. I will never know the scope of the reasons You had, for me being born when I was, and to the parents I had. However, I can still seek to honor You as I look to do what You are calling me to do. I know You have grace for me, and that makes me want to extend grace to my family. I know You put me among them for a reason, and I want to fulfill it. Probably, it will never be as grandiose as Joab, let alone David, but I know that I have a role to play. Help me be faithful in loving my siblings, nephews, nieces, and cousins. Help me to honor my father and mother, and to make the name Cannelora synonymous with faithfulness to Christ Jesus. Help me to build up everyone in my family, to encourage, strengthen, and promote them to greatness in Christ Jesus, all to Your glory. Use me, and use us, however You want. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/11/2016; Amos 9:4

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 11, 12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11*

S) "⁴ And though they go into captivity before their enemies,
From there I will command the sword that it slay them,
And I will set My eyes against them for evil and not for good."

Amos 9:4 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Amos 9

O) How different the captivities were, of Israel compared to Judah! By comparison, we might be tempted to say that Israel was more guilty than Judah was, but I'm not sure such a thing could be quantified. It's important to remember that terms like evil and good, in this context, are simply descriptors set in contrast to each other (like God loving Jacob and hating Esau). So, this does not change the fact that God is good, His character is good, His judgments are good. When He came against Israel, setting His eyes against them for evil, it was because of their own evil. He was judging their evil, and would no long extend grace to them in spite of their own evil. His eyes were against them because of their evil.

A) The greater context of this verse is that no one can escape the justice system of the LORD. While this is a terrifying thing for those who are caught by Him, it is a wonderful thing for those who are found in Christ. I could not rightly call myself a disciple of Christ, if my heart was not also set to have compassion and hope for people to repent and return to God. However, I know that in reality, some never will. Thankfully, it is not up to me to decide who will, or will not, ever repent. God knows, though, and it comforts me to know that unrepentant people, who are guilty of evil things, will not escape justice or "get away with it," regardless of what may or may not happen in the legal system of my country. In God's kingdom, justice is always served. I'm thankful that my punishment was absolved by Jesus on the cross, and I hope that more people will find the same mercy through the same grace, by the same justice carried out in the gospel. But, for those who will not accept that free gift of grace, and will not repent, then I am comforted knowing that justice will still be done, whenever the Judge determines to carry it out.

P) Father, thank You for being just. Thank You for the mercy and grace, available to all of mankind, that I have through Jesus Christ. But, still, I know that there will always be a great many people who will never turn from their evil. There will forever be wickedness that is unabated. I pray that everyone on earth turns in repentance. Truly, I pray that as many people as possible repent. But, I know the reality is that billions will not. So, I thank You for being a just God. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/10/2016; Amos 8:11

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 8, 9, 10; 2 Corinthians 10*

S) "¹¹ 'Behold, days are coming,' declares the Lord God,
'When I will send a famine on the land,
Not a famine for bread or a thirst for water,
But rather for hearing the words of the Lord.'"

Amos 8:11 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Amos 8

O) Without losing context, this passage takes a whole new dimension when we consider that Jesus is the word of God made flesh (see John 1). Israel had gone too far, and God was sending them prophets to declare the sentencing, so to speak, of His judgment that was about to take place. In the previous chapter, Amos saw a few different visions of things happening to Israel, but after talking with the LORD about it, God declared that the thing to happen would be the exile. Despite the ravishes of war being as heavy and difficult as they were, it is the verse above that seems the most staggering to the people. Indeed, the very next line says the people will stagger, because they will have been cut off from God in such a way as they have never experienced.

A) I've heard people theorize that hell is so terrible because of the absence of God's presence. Although that could be true, doesn't have much biblical foundation. I've also heard people theorize that Jesus asked the Father why He'd forsaken Jesus, because God's presence was severed from Him when the sins of the world came upon Him. Again, I'm not sure there is as much biblical support for that as some seem to think, although it could have been the way it really happened. Here is what I do know, though: I can barely fathom existing without access to my Bible. Whether it's through some devastating cultural rebellion against God, where the Bible becomes contraband, or some kind of post-apocalyptic dystopia where printed materials are gone, imagining how to live my life without access to the certain words of God - this is a frightening and difficult thing to imagine. When I do try, though, it highlights the importance of studying His word. It drives home the truth that I don't live on bread alone, but on the very word of God. It scares me straight. It also makes me realize how blessed I am to live when I do. I have six Bibles in my house, there are countless copies at my church, and I have innumerable ways to read it digitally. My access to the words of God could not really be much greater. So, I cannot take that for granted. I need to take advantage of this blessing every day. I need to work to memorize more Scripture. I need to pray and meditate on it constantly. It is precious, and I can't let myself be lulled into believing it has lost value, just because it's so available to me.

P) Father, Thank You for Your precious words, God. Thank You for the Bible, for the prophets who recorded Your words, for Your apostles who wrote holy Scriptures to the church. Thank You for speaking to me through the Holy Spirit. Let me know Your words more, God. Help me place a premium on them, to the point where I have realized they are invaluable. Help me to protect them, both physically and politically. Thank You for the promise, that if I am ever hard pressed, the Holy Spirit will recall everything to mind that I need. Open my eyes and ears, Lord. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/09/2016; Amos 7:14-15

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 6, 7; Psalm 72; 2 Corinthians 9*

S) "¹⁴ Then Amos replied to Amaziah, 'I am not a prophet, nor am I the son of a prophet; for I am a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs. ¹⁵ But the Lord took me from following the flock and the Lord said to me, "Go prophesy to My people Israel."'"

Amos 7:14-15 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Amos 7

O) So, the Old Testament should have the Pentateuch, the histories, the books of wisdom, the major prophets, minor prophets, and the herdsman/grower. Seriously, I cannot blame Amos for not wanting to identify himself this way, since most of the prophets to Israel and Judah were killed for the truth they spoke. This was also an important distinction, because it shows that a person can do something without being that thing, and that's how it's always been with God. In the New Testament, we see that prophesying is a gift of the Holy Spirit, and every disciple of Jesus Christ has the Holy Spirit. So, by the Holy Spirit, any person could be used by God to prophesy, but not all are prophets.

A) These words are a reminder to me, not to think more highly of myself than I ought. God could use me for amazing things, but that doesn't make me amazing, it makes Him amazing! Amos had no desire to make this his vocation, but God sent him with a specific message, a specific task, and he was going to complete his mission. In my own life, if God is calling me to task about something, I have a responsibility to finish that job, but that job does not redefine who I am. This is another example of how I should limit my identity to who I am in Christ, and that alone. If I am venturing to call myself by greater tasks/roles, then I am at quite a bit of risk to become arrogant, proud, and haughty.

P) Father, You are great, mighty, wise, and strong. I am not these things. You are omniscient, omnipresent, and sovereign. I am not these things. In Christ alone, I am found righteous. In Christ alone, I am made holy. In Christ alone, I have gifts, talents, and skills that glorify You and honor Your name. I know arrogance and pride, and I know how agonizing that is, Lord. Thank You for making Your ways the good ways. Help me to remember that. Help me stay humble, Lord. Help me find my identity, not in what I do, but in what I believe. When I put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ, I am Yours. I am counted as a son of God, as an heir. That is my identity in Christ Jesus. Let me find all of my peace, fulfillment, and satisfaction in You, Lord. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/08/2016; Amos 6:7

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 3, 4, 5; Psalm 77; 2 Corinthians 8*

S) "⁷ Therefore, they will now go into exile at the head of the exiles,
And the sprawlers’ banqueting will pass away."

Amos 6:7 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Amos 6

O) The people described in this opening portion of the chapter are those who were the most affluent, the most at ease. One of the common themes throughout the Old Testament (and it carried to the Pharisees' thinking), was that a successful person (especially financially successful), must have a life that pleases God. On the contrary, those who were the most at ease, the most financially successful, the ones who sprawled on their couches (v.4), who had great leisure (v.5), they were among the first to be judged.

A) The most important thing to remember, is that everything I have is a gift from God, both my money and my time. I don't think it's bad to recline at a table, or to relax. After all, Jesus still took time to eat great meals with tax collectors, sinners, and His disciples. He attended at least one wedding. So then, it's important to me to be sure that my leisure time is still honoring God. Am I using my "free time" selfishly? Or am I building relationships? Am I using my "extra money" to gratify my own selfish desires? Or am I using my money on shared experiences and to bless others? Leisure time cannot be just for the sake of relaxing. Entertainment cannot be used just for the sake of pleasing my eyes and ears. I still need to be viewing the blessings I do have, for how they can be used for His glory.

P) Father, I am very blessed. You have been gracious and good to me. I don't always feel financially blessed, but I really am, still. I am certainly blessed with time, too. I have leisure in my life. I know that it's not bad, in itself, but I also don't want it to become a snare to me. Help me see every gift I have, as an opportunity to bless others and glorify You, Lord. You have been good to me, and I want to be good to others. It starts with my wife, and my kids, but it doesn't end there, either. Help me take opportunities to bless others with my time and money. Let Your will be done with my leisure. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/07/2016; Amos 5:3

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 1, 2; Psalm 66; 2 Corinthians 7*

S) "³ For thus says the Lord God,

'The city which goes forth a thousand strong
Will have a hundred left,
And the one which goes forth a hundred strong
Will have ten left to the house of Israel.'"

Amos 5:3 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Amos 5

O) There is almost a hesitance throughout this chapter, with God imploring Israel to return to Him. He tells them to seek Him, and not stronghold cities. He tells them to seek what is right, to stop taking bribes and perverting justice. He warns them not to seek the day of the Lord (a common term for the day God sends judgment and destruction upon the guilty), because they themselves will be the ones who are judged. God already knew what would happen, but this chapter gives us the distinct impression that He is giving the people every opportunity to repent. I certainly don't think we can take the numbers literally, but in the verse above, we see that the vast majority will be judged guilty.

A) While this prophecy was certainly fulfilled when Israel was taken into exile by Assyria, the warning carries through clearly. At the same time, this verse also conveys hope, because there was a remnant left. When I moved back to western Washington, from Redding, California, it felt like I was moving into an area devoid of authentic Christians. I mean, that wasn't true, but the emotions felt like that. In truth, though, there were plenty of serious, devoted, loving Christians. When we first joined our church, it felt surreal to worship with more than a thousand other believers on a Sunday morning. We'd leave church service, and I'd feel like there was a tidal wave of unbelievers around me. I felt like I'd plunged again into the selfish, harsh, unfaithful masses. I'm sure that there were some of those same adjectives in the church service I'd just left, too. Still, I felt isolated again (excepting my own family, of course). But, remembering that there is a remnant, that there always will be a remnant, is a comfort. It drove home the point, early in my return to WA, the importance of maintaining close relationships with other believers. In a world where ninety percent are unbelievers, it makes it all the more important for me to stay connected to the ten percent.

P) Father, thank You for the providence You showed when I moved back to Washington. It took virtually no time at all for me and my family to find our church. It didn't take much longer for us to get into a small group. Even though some of those relationships have faded, it was still such a blessing to get into the mindset of deliberate connection with other believers. Thank You for the Briels family. Thank You for the friendship that has lasted this long. Thank You for the new group we are leading, Lord. Help relationships continue to develop with our new group of families, and may some deep friendships form, that glorify You and strengthen them. May I always be found in the remnant of believers. Let me always be found in Christ. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 04/06/2016; Amos 4:11

Today's reading: Ruth 3, 4; Psalm 64, 65; 2 Corinthians 6*

S) "¹¹ 'I overthrew you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah,
And you were like a firebrand snatched from a blaze;
Yet you have not returned to Me,' declares the LORD."

Amos 4:11 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Amos 4

O) In this fairly brief chapter, God recounts many varied judgments and disciplines He executed, and as each is remembered, He finishes with the same summary, "Yet you have not returned to Me," This raises two very important factors. First, that God's heart is for reconciliation and restoration and redemption, even in the midst of His righteous justice and perfect judgments. Second, it highlights the notion that there are some who will simply ncver repent. This same idea is echoed, with severe example, in Revelation. Israel was warned by Amos, in the very next line, that they were about to meet their Maker. It seems like such a warning made little difference to such calloused hearts.

A) As long as I am willing to repent, to return to God, He is faithful and just to forgive my sins. Because of the work Jesus did on the cross, the penalty for my sins was paid. So, as long as I am willing to confess my sins, then my redemption and reconciliation are sure in Jesus Christ. I still must be sure that I keep my heart soft, not hardening it (see Hebrews 3:15).

P) Father, thank You for Your discipline. Thank You for love that rebukes my wrongs, that corrects my mistakes and my attitude. Please continue to shape me, inside and out, to be more and more like Christ Jesus, Your only begotten Son. I pray You always find my heart soft, teachable, and contrite. Have Your way with me. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.