SOAP 12/04/2011; Ephesians 4:25

Today's reading: Ephesians 1,2,3,4

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

Ephesians 4:25 (NASB)

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

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

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

SOAP 12/03/2011; Romans 14:19

Today's reading: Romans 13,14,15,16

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

Romans 14:19 (NASB)

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

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

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

SOAP 12/02/2011; Romans 11:19-21

Today's reading: Romans 9,10,11,12

S) "¹⁹ You will say then, 'Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.' ²⁰ Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; ²¹ for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either."

Romans 11:19-21 (NASB)

O) Paul uses an olive tree to represent the people of God. Here, he says that there were branches of Israel that were broken off for unbelief and in their place, gentiles were able to be grafted in by their faith. It is foolishness, however, to think that we will be saved forever since we are called sons of God. Just as the first believers of God have lost their place in Him, we also can lose our place in Him.

A) There was a very specific command given in the middle of this passage, "Do not be conceited, but fear;" I need to keep that central in my mind as a believer. Humility is a lifestyle, not a personality. It's learned behavior. I can either learn because other branches were broken off, or I can learn because I am broken off. I don't have to read the Old Testament to see men of God lose their ways; there have been plenty of cautionary tales in the last 10 years alone. Being humble is not the same as self-deprication or self-doubt. I can acknowledge who I am within Christ, as long as I remember who I am without Him.

P) Father, thank You for the grace You've given in calling me Your son. It's beyond my comprehension that You would sacrifice Your only Son for me, when I was wretched, filthy, guilty, and shameful. Thank You for wanting me. Holy Spirit, remind me that I am nothing without grace. I can be removed from the tree if I am not obediently believing and faithfully serving. Help me to know my place among the branches and be thankful for everything, even my own belief. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 12/01/2011; Romans 8:5-8

Today's reading: Romans 5,6,7,8

S) "⁵ For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. ⁶ For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, ⁷ because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, ⁸ and those who are in the flesh cannot please God."

Romans 8:5-8 (NASB)

O) How important is a correct mindset? It's of the utmost importance! Controlling our thoughts is one of the most difficult and most important disciplines of being a Christian. Having our mind in the correct perspective is absolutely crucial! If we are not able to reason in our minds that God's law is good, then we are never going to be able to sustain obedience. From that acknowledgement comes the realization that whatever we have a mind to do, we will do. It's like that old saying, "Whether you think you can, or you think you cannot, you're right."

Edit (12/02/2011): I had one more thought I meant to write last night. If people consider that divorce is an option when they get married, they're incredibly more likely to become divorced. But, if they're setting their minds from the beginning to never even entertain the thought of divorce, then that's one less danger to the life of their marriage. Taking it further, if the couple is constantly setting their mind on God, and acknowledging how they are blessed through their marriage, then they are honoring God, valuing their spouse, and giving life to their marriage.

A) This verse makes it painfully clear that it is absolute foolishness to allow my mind to entertain thoughts of sin. Not only is it as simple as making it more likely that I'll slip up, but it's actually sowing seeds of hostility toward God directly. It's very helpful to create reminders to proactively, forceably, and purposely set my mind on God, and on the Spirit. Sticky notes with reminders of righteous principles, reading the Word earlier in the day so I can meditate on the Scriptures throughout the day, even the clothes I choose to wear can all be helpful tools to keep my mind on the Spirit and subjecting my flesh to God's will.

P) Father, Your law is good! I declare that Your words are life to me and Your will for my life is the best possible course my life could have. I want to continually subject my life to Your rule, Lord. Holy Spirit, help me to place my mind on You throughout the day, forsaking my sinful flesh and the desires of its lusts in all its deadly forms. Remind me that sin still leads to death and it is no trifling matter. Thank You for freedom and continued maturity and growth, God. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 11/30/2011; Romans 1:16-17

Today's reading: Romans 1,2,3,4

S) "¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ¹⁷ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.'"

Romans 1:16-17 (NASB)

O) Between the first 4 chapters of Romans, there were plenty of verses that stood out. Ultimately, though, this is a life-verse for me. The key to sharing the gospel is to recognize the power and gift that the gospel truly is! It's amazing, phenominal, epic, earth-shattering, life-alterring news! Have you ever done something wrong? You don't have to go to hell! In faith, we're given righteousness as a gift! Why would we ever keep that a secret?!

A) It would probably surprise people who know me, to hear how often I've been intimidated about sharing the gospel. To overcome this, I really need to meditate on the key I mentioned above. The gospel is amazing grace. It's undeserved mercy in the face of pure guilt. Remembering my own faults, the mire from which God has removed me, the muck that He has cleaned off of me, will fuel my courage to share the gospel boldly. Staying in the Word will help too (Paul was SO BOLD throughout his ministry in Acts!).

P) Father, please bless Lecrae and all of the people in the 1-1-Six Clique. They're truly inspiring to me. I never want to be ashamed of the gospel, for any reason. Holy Spirit, strengthen and encourage me to be proactive, making a point of sharing the gospel regularly. Help me recognize the treasure I have and value it for what it is. You got the grace amazing, help me wear that on my sleeve. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 11/29/2011; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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

S) "¹⁶ Rejoice always; ¹⁷ pray without ceasing; ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB)

O) I've heard a lot of Christians complain about not being able to hear from God. Or complaining about not knowing the will of God for their lives. The funny thing is, though, that so many Christians neglect the written words of God. If we aren't attentive to what God has already shown us, should we be surprised at all that we're not hearing His further instruction? In this passage we have a very clear directive for God's will for our lives, yet so many Christians still act like they've been left directionless.

A) If I'm ever in a place that I'm having trouble discerning God's will for my life, I need to return to these basics.
1. Be joyful. I have every reason to have joy. No matter what else happens in this life, I don't have to go to hell. I have hope of a life everlasting. It takes effort to be rejoice; joy is not an emotion.
2. Pray. It's easy to lose focus or drive when I feel like I'm not hearing from God. I need to continue pressing on in prayer. "without ceasing" doesn't mean that I'm continually talking to God, but my dialogue with Him needs to remain open at all times. It's like when teenagers are on the phone - they aren't always speaking, but they're still "talking" to their bf/gf. I need to be on the line with God, even if I'm not actually speaking, and I'm not exactly hearing Him - I still need to be listening.
3. Thank Him. This one can be the most difficult, especially if I'm feeling distant from God in the first place. Thankfulness is a deliberate act and sometimes it takes some real stretching. That may actually be the biggest testiment to thankfulness, though. If, in my heart, I want to be thankful, so much, that I'm looking for any reason to give thanks to God, then I'm heading in the right direction.

P) Father, I want to do Your will. I want to want it, as well. I know sometimes it's easy to lose focus or perspective. I know that if I'm not attentive, it's also easy for me to allow distance to grow between us. Thank You for helping me these last 5 months, to be consistent in my study of Your Word, and my devotion in prayer. Holy Spirit, continue to speak to me, through the Word, or other people, or directly, and give me discernment to know the will of the Father. Strengthen me and encourage me and embolden me to carry out that will. I want to be an action figure in Your hands, God. Let my heart be ever joyful, open, and thankful. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 11/28/2011; 1 Thessalonians 1:5

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

S) "⁵ for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake."

1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NASB)

O) It is difficult to share the gospel from afar. I recently read a great quote from Lecrae, "You can impress people from a distance, but if you want to impact them get up close." The gospel can only mean so much in a span of 5 minutes. If you can show people the effects of the gospel over time, show them how you've been affected by it, then it can make an impact. I can simply tell people that God loves us and offers forgiveness and can change us, but it makes a bigger impact if I take the time and opportunity to show people that God loves us and offers forgiveness and changes us, using myself as the first-hand example.

A) Relationship evangelism is my favorite way to show people the gospel. In order to show people how God's grace, mercy, and love have changed my life, I need to make my life available to other people. I have to live according to God's Word, being 100% honest about mistakes and shortcomings, and showing people who I am in Christ. I'm a sinner saved. I've been made new. I make mistakes, but they don't ruin or doom me. I can walk in compassion, mercy, grace, and love, because God has given me these things. It takes vulnerability to share the gospel this way. Will it hurt sometimes, getting close to people and having them still reject the gospel? Yes. Will it be worth it? Every time.

P) Father, give me opportunity to share the gospel in the most intimate, impactful way. Help me take risks with people, by letting them see me and my family personally. Help me invest in others so they can see You through us. Holy Spirit, give me courage to reach out to people, braving the most harsh rejections to reach even one person willing to see the Truth in my life. For the people who are already in my life, who still need to see the gospel for what it is, God open their eyes to see and their ears to hear, so they do not miss You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.