S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #4, September 4, 2023 “God’s Love – The Driving Force.”

S. Revelation 9:20 (NIV) “The rest of mankind who were not killed by the plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshipping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood…”

O. The theology in this text cannot be over emphasized. It tells us why God would use drastic and horrific means of judgment. It is because love motivates Him to do whatever it takes to get the attention of resistant, sinful humankind so they will repent before having to spend eternity in hell.

A. God’s great love compels me to reach out to every person (2 Cor. 5:14-21). I will continue to preach messages that I pray will connect lost people to Jesus. I will continue to disciple people to use their gifts in helping people to know God, find freedom, and discover their purpose.

P. Thank you Lord for your word today and for revealing another aspect of your great love for people. Holy Spirit, fill me and guide me with wisdom, faith, boldness, and love to communicate your great love to others. In Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #3, September 3, 2023 “Pondering Produces Wisdom.”

 S. Psalm 111:2,10 “Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them….The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise.”

O. God’s works are great. People who take time to “ponder” them (study diligently, follow and practice applying them) delight in them. When we do this, we truly discover wisdom and a good understanding of life.

A. I think about the works of God (what He has done in the world and in my life). I want to know Him more intimately. He has also given us (along with His works) His word and if we will study His works and His word, applying them to our life, we will have wisdom and a great understanding of life.

P. Thank you Lord for revealing yourself to me in so many ways (your creation, your activities in the world and through your word). I delight in them and ask that you continue to give me greater wisdom and understanding. In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #2, September 2, 2023 “Repent, Rid and Receive.” Ezekiel 18:30-31 (NIV)

S. Ezekiel 18:30-31 (NIV) 30 “Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. 31 Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? 32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!

O. God says to Israel – Repent (He uses this phrase twice in this verse.) The first is translated “Repent,” and the other is “Turn away.”  However, it is the same word so perhaps a strong emphasis is being placed on the need to turn away – go in new – God direction.

He also says “Rid” which means to cast away – throw or fling. They were to get rid of anything offensive to the Lord or oppressive to their faith. Once they’ve done this, they would enjoy (RECEIVE) a new heart and the Holy Spirit at work in their life.

A. Our willful sins hinder the work of the spirit in our hearts and lives. I will continue to actively turn toward the direction God has for my life – casting away any sin that may crop up so I can enjoy a spirit filled and spirit led life.

P. Thank you Lord for your word today. Thank you for Israel’s example for all of us today to have to learn from. Holy Spirit, fill me and lead me. Help me turn toward God’s direction for me and to cast away any sin that I might enjoy your filling and leading in my life.