S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day #24 - June 24, 2023 "Intentional and Focused Living"

S. 1 Timothy 6:11-12 (NIV) 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

O. As men of God, we are to flee (run away from) a life of trying to acquire wealth (that is having money just for finding purpose and happiness should not be our goal). Rahter, the man of God should pursue (seek after, acquire, be strategic) a life that honors and pleases God (righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness). We should continue daily to fight the good fight of faith and to take hold of eternal life (claim it, own it, live for it). We do this, I think, by focused and intentional living.

A. It is easy to get off track - to chase rabbit trails. On my recent flight back to GR, I talked to a guy that was in the business of educating people become millionaires - to acquire a lot of money. It sounded good and it’s this type of scenerio that Paul instructs Timothy to be on guard and to flee from.

I will maintain a focused and intentional life - fleeing from these types of philosophies and will pursue, fight for and embrace the life God has called me to.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Thank you for the reminder to be vigilent, intentional and focused in my calling to serve you. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to pursue the Lord Jesus more. Strengthen me to fight the good fight and embrace all that our Heavenly Father has for me. In Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day #23 - June 23, 2023 "Caring For Your Pastor"

S. 1 Timothy 5:17-18 (NIV) 17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.”

O. Paul provides instruction to Timothy on the care and honor of Elders. He adds that those Elders whose work is preaching and teaching are worthy of double honor. Not only are they to be held in high regard, respected and honored, but there is a “double honor” which means they are to be paid (compensated) for their work (for those who preach and teach). Paul quotes the OT illustrating just as the Ox is doing the work, keep feeding it. As Pastors lead through preaching and teaching, they too are to be compensated so they can continue in this work.

A. What a well timed word from the Lord today. I have just returned after being away for the past 4 days. I have been so blessed this past week at Retreat at Church Creek. People have served me so very well. I was treated with great honor. I was served so very well. All my finanicial provisions were paid for by a group called “The Pastors’ Collective” and by my wonderful church - Better Life Church. It is my prayer to teach and model this aspect of honor and care to my church for how we can serve others.

P. Thank you Lord Jesus for the double honor I received this past week. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me with wisdom to pay forward to others the blessings I have received this past week. In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day #22 - June 22, 2023 "Closely Watch Your Spiritual Life"

S. 1 Timothy 4:14-16 (NIV) 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

O. Paul gives Timothy instruction - particularly to continue in a life style that keeps him spiritually healthy for the long haul. He teaches DO NOT NEGLECT your gifiting. Do all you can to enhance or develop it. MAKE IT A PRIORITY. Keep or stick to the assignment that God has given you. CLOSELY WATCHY our lives. Put up guard rails to protect our spiritual progress.

A. It can be easy to lose focus and run your life “off the rails.” So I will continue to make it a daily discipline to stay true to God’s call in my lief; to make my call a priority over other things and to give careful attention to my walk - to keep the guard rails up.

P. Thank you Lord for this reminder to stay true to you and your call in my life. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me with wisdom to manage well these daily dsicplines and to enjoy true spiritual health. In Jesus’ name.