S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #29 Thursday, February 29, 2024 “Desire For The Eternal”

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #29 Thursday, February 29, 2024 “Desire For The Eternal”

S. 1 John 2:15-17 (NIV) 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

 O. John writes to believers and cautions them about loving the world – not people – but the world system. The word “love” is the Greek word “agape” which is God’s love. We are not to take God’s love in us that is for Him and others to be given over to fleshly and earthly desires. Simply put – we are to love God and people – and put our desires and actions towards that which is eternal and not temporary.

 A. I left secular employment 40+ years ago because I wanted my life to make a difference in the realm of the eternal. I therefore do not purse money, or fame – I try to live with a heart of gratitude for what God has done for me and use the gifts He has given me to reach others.

P. Thank you Lord for putting in my heart, kingdom desires and not worldly desire. Holy Spirit, fill me and guide me to continue to seek the Kingdom of God. In Jesus’ name.

 Today’s challenge was to locate maybe a favorite passage of scripture since we didn’t’ have one on our reading plan as this is a bissextile year (leap year – every 4th year).

 Well, this ends our 30-day challenge of reading and journaling God’s word using the S.O.A.P. discipline.  Our next challenge will not be in April, but in June. Blessings!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #28 Wednesday, February 28, 2024 “I See Clearly Now”

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #28 Wednesday, February 28, 2024 “I See Clearly Now”

 S. 1 Corinthians 13:9-12 (NIV) 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

O. Paul describes a time when the things that we know partially or prophesy partially will disappear…i.e., the “in part” (the partial) is what goes away. Instead of seeing partially (in part) we will see or know more fully, we will prophecy more fully. We shall see more clearly because we will be going from (spiritually speaking) childhood to adulthood.

 When does this happen? There are two main ways to interpret this passage. One thought is when God’s word is completed (when the Bible was completed) or when Jesus’ returns. The phrase “when completeness comes” is neuter gender could refer to either. I think the context favors when Jesus returns. Paul’s words here remind me of John’s description of Jesus’ return:

2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. 1 John 3:2-3 (NIV)

A. I will continue to grow in my faith, using the gifts God has given me to build up others and seek Kingdom growth. But I also look forward to the “aha” moment when Jesus returns, and we all then have full knowledge and see things clearly.

P. Thank you Lord for your word today. Holy Spirit, fill me and guide. I look forward to the day Jesus returns and we all see things and Him clearly. In Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #27 Monday, February 27, 2024 “Take the Long View.”

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #27 Monday, February 27, 2024 “Take the Long View.”

S. Numbers 21:4-5 (NIV) “They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient along the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness.’”

O. It says the people grew impatient. I suppose it’s possible that they may have started out ready for what God was going to do. But as they traveled, the grew impatient. Perhaps like some of us on long trips, “are we there yet?” We just want to arrive at our destination – and I must admit, I like things to happen quickly too.

However, they (and we too) needed to have a long view of life and ministry. Serving God is not a sprint – it’s more like a marathon. It’s not a rah, rah, rah, here we go, hyped up time of serving God. Rather, it’s taking the long view – being patient and trusting God as He often seeks to transform us through processes to become more like Him.

A. I’m glad for those who are excited for what God is going to do – yet I know God will often direct us to take the longer route so He can transform us to be more like Jesus. That being said, we all need to take the long view of what God is doing and wants to do in our life and ministry.

P. Thank you Lord for your word today. Holy Spirit, fill me and guide me to be patient, taking the “long view” of life and ministry and trusting you every step of the way to not only help me reach the destination but when I do arrive, I’ll be more like Jesus. In Jesus’ name.