S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #24, September 25, 2023 “Sowing Seed No Matter What”

S. Luke 8:15(NIV) “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who heart the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”

O. Jesus uses a parable to teach about kingdom life. It’s the Parable of the Sower. The farmer sows his seeds in 4 different places (path, rocky ground, thorns and good soil). Three of these soil types produce nothing. But the fourth does produce.

One observation is that there is a 75% rejection rate of the Gospel of Jesus. However, 25% in this parable do respond.  Another observation is that despite the rejection rate, the farmer just keeps planting seeds. He doesn’t let anything hinder him.  He stays at it and ultimately the seed finds good soil and produces a harvest.

I will continue to plant – to sow spiritual seed and trust that some of that seed will find good soil. The Bible says that “if we sow, we shall also reap.” (Galatians 6:7-8). 

P. Thank you Lord for the Parable of the Sower. I know sowing seeds can be difficult, but I will continue to sow and plant spiritual seeds because you have promised that we WILL reap a harvest if we do not quit (Galatians 6:9).  I pray this in Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #24, September 24, 2023 “No Place Like God’s House”

S. Psalm 84:10-11(NIV) “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield, the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”

O. The Psalmist writes that it is better to spend one day in the courts of God than a thousand elsewhere. What a great thought. It is better to spend one day in church enjoying His presence with other believers than to be in any vacation spot in the world. It is better than any trip, any beach, any hotel, any mountain top – being in God’s house is simply better than any other place. There’s no place like God’s house.

A. This is why I don’t miss church. I love being with God’s people – worshipping, enjoying fellowship, teaching, and sharing God’s Word – watching people move forward in their spiritual life. It’s amazing and it’s a blessing. 

P. Thank you Lord that today I get to spend time with your people – your church, worshipping you. Use me today to help others get connected to you, moving forward in their spiritual life, and joining a small group. I give you all the praise. In Jesus’ name I ask these things!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #23, September 23, 2023 “Standing on Solid Ground”

S. Luke 6:46-47(NIV) 46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed, and its destruction was complete.”

O. Jeus teaches His disciples that those who hear His words and puts them into practice like a man building a house on a solid rock. The house can withstand anything. So, our lives, when we build our spiritual life on the solid rock of Jesus, we have a sure foundation that is able to withstand the storms of life.

A. I will continue to give my life spiritual priority. I will build my life on Jesus – meaning I will continue to obey Him and follow His leading. I know when I do, I am building my life on a solid rock that can withstand the storms of this life. 

P. Thank you Lord, for being my solid rock. You have kept me strong and safe. I know as I continue to develop the spiritual priority of following you, you will continue to keep my feet on solid ground. I praise you. In Jesus’ name!