S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #20 February 20, 2024 “Jehova Shalom In Life’s Storms”

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #20 February 20, 2024 “Jehova Shalom In Life’s Storms”

S. Acts 27:22-26 (NIV) 22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”

O. Paul had received word from an Angel of God that he and all on the ship would survive the storm.

Earlier I read Psalm 23 and was thinking of the covenant names of God. As I read this passage in acts, I thought of His name – Jehovah Shamah – The God who is always there – our constant companion.

Paul likely knew this and was able to encourage the crew through this terrible storm.

A. What a great reminder of who God is – He is our constant companion. God is always with us no matter what we are going through. He is there to guide us and protect us. We can take courage that when we feel the storms of life pounding us, God is present with us to protect us and to guide us to safety.

P. Thank you Lord for your word today. What a great reminder that you are Jehovah Shamah – my constant companion. Holy Spirit, fill me and guide me to share and teach this truth to others who are experiencing the hardships that life sometimes brings to us. In Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #19 February 19, 2024 “Consistent & Constant Witnessing”

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #19 February 19, 2024 “Consistent & Constant Witnessing”

S. Acts 26:28-29 (NIV) 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” 29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

O. Paul takes this occasion to share his faith with these rulers (who could decide if he should be set free or not). Paul seems less concerned with his personal comfort and is more concerned that those listening would become Christians, no matter how long this might take (short time or long time).

A. I desire this in my life. I want to be ready for any and every occasion to be a consistent and constant witness of the Lord Jesus. To be less concerned with my own comfort, I pray that I can be as focused as Paul in directing people to Jesus.

P. Thank you Lord for Paul’s continued faithful example of being a consistent and constant witness of the Gospel of Jesus. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to likewise with consistency and “constancy” direct people to the Lord Jesus. In Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #18 February 18, 2024 “Time to Stand”

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #18 February 18, 2024 “Time to Stand”

S. Acts 25:11 (NIV) “If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”

O. I continue to be impressed with Paul’s integrity. Paul shows that he favors the rule of law. He would not refuse the death penalty if he was guilty. But he knew the Jews would run a “kangaroo” court, so he made his appeal, as a Roman citizen, to be tried in Rome, at the highest court.

A. There are times when as Christians we should not be pushovers or bullied. There are times when we should take our stand and use the rule of law to protect us from those who would falsely accuse us and seek to harm us.

P. Thank you Lord for Paul’s example of faith and integrity. Holy Spirit, fill me and guide me to have such faith to take a stand (when warranted) and to use the rule of law and your leading to protect our Kingdom advancing interests. In Jesus’ name.