S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #13, September 13, 2023 “The Just Shepherd.”

S. Ezekiel 34:15-16 (NIV) “I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.””

O. Because many of Israel’s leaders were not taking care of the people (as shepherds), God declared that He would care for His people (often referred to as sheep – that’s a whole other study). He would lead His flock with justice. In this, God reveals His heart – to search and bring back those are far away. Also, for those that are injured, God desires to build them up and strengthen them. He will not tolerate those who are self-reliant and who do not seek after Him.

A. I desire to be a good and effective shepherd as God our Father is. I will continue to pray according to the heart of God, reaching the lost and building up the weak.

P. Thank your Lord for your word today. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to have the Father’s shepherding heart – reaching those who are far from God and building up those who are weak. I ask this in Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #12, September 12, 2023 “God’s Desire for Our Obedience.”

S. Psalm 81:13-24 (NIV) “If my people would only listen to me, if Israel would only follow my ways, how quickly I would subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes.”

O. I see and feel the heart of God in this passage. He so desires to bless His people. God is a blesser. He is a rewarder (Hebrews11:6). Following Him, or obeying Him, as He sees it, is not that difficult. He says “if…only…” twice in these two verses. Yet He cannot bless or reward sin (disobedience). He longs for His people to make the right choices, to do the right thing.

A. I want so much to experience God’s blessings in my life. I desire to obey Him so that He is free to bless me or reward me. I will continue to seek His leading, guidance and protection so I can overcome the desires of my flesh and free God then to bless and reward me.

P. Thank you Father for the word today and for your desire to bless me. Holy Spirit, fill me and guide me to overcome any obstacle that would keep me from experiencing your favor, blessing and reward. I desire to be a faithful and fruitful follower of Jesus. I pray this in Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #11, September 11, 2023 “The Power of Prayer.”

S. Daniel 2:17-18, 48-49 (NIV) “Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of Heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon…. The king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wisemen. Moreover, at Daniel’s request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon….” (These last 3 names were given to Daniels’ 3 friends mentioned earlier in the passage.)

O. King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, and no one could interpret it. If no one (of the wisemen in Babylon) could interpret this dream, these wisemen would be put to death. A very harsh punishment.  Daniel was called in to also give the interpretation. Daniel knew that only God can truly bring such revelation. So, he asked for some time. The first thing he did was to ask his friends to pray on this matter.

Because they prayed and put the matter in God’s hands, God not only gave the revelation of the dream, but he extended such favor to them that Daniel and his three friends were placed as administrators over the province of Babylon.

A. Pray first! It is what I continue to learn to do in all that I do. I need God’s favor, protection, and blessing for all that I do. Therefore, I will continue to be a person who prays first and teaches others to do the same.

P. Thank you Lord for your word today. Holy Spirit, fill me and guide me with wisdom, faith and boldness to continue to be a person who prays firsts and trusts our Lord for His protection, favor, leading and blessing. In Jesus’ name.