S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #23 Friday February 23, 2024 “Live Purposefully”

 S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #23 Friday  February 23, 2024 “Live Purposefully”

S. Psalm 90:12 (NIV) “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

O. Moses reflects upon God’s presence and goodness. He realizes that our time on earth is shot and therefore asks that God teach us to number our days. I believe “numbering our days” is the same as saying to ask God how we can make our life count, how to live purposeful and productive lives. Perhaps he asks God to teach us because we do not always see the big picture and are likely to waste our time?

A. Immediately I think of what the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 5 – that we are to redeem the time because the days are evil (we are to buy back, make it count). I want to make the most of my life. This was my September 1982 prayer to God, “Lord, I want my life to count.” This is what then sent me on a journey into full time vocational pastoral ministry – because I want to focus on Gods’ purpose for my life. As I shared yesterday, I know my “WHY” and I want then to get the most out of every day.

P. Thank you Lord for this word today. Yes, help me to learn how to live life with purpose and intentionality. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me. Give me wisdom, knowledge and your very clear leading to live an intentional and purposeful life for your honor and glory. In Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #22 Thursday February 22, 2024 “Know Your Why”

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #22 Thursday  February 22, 2024 “Know Your Why”

S. Mark 1:38-39 (NIV) “Jesus replied, ‘Let us go somewhere else – to the nearby villages so I can preach there also. That is WHY I have come. So, he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.”

O. Jesus healed people, drove out demons, prayed and was ready for more. He was ready to continue preaching. Jesus was motivated by His “why.” He knew His purpose. He knew WHY He was here. Knowing His “why” motivated Him to keep going.

When we know our purpose – “Our Why,” we can do much for the Lord. We never tire from looking for new ground to take for God.

A. I know my “Why” – my purpose. It became clear to me in September of 1985 that God had indeed called me to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus to anyone and everyone that I encounter through pastoral ministry. Since that time, God’s purpose, His calling, knowing my “Why” has moved me to draw closer to Him and to help others likewise discover their God given purpose.

P. Thank you Lord for your word today. Thank you for calling me and helping me understand my “why” – my purpose. Holy Spirit, fill me and guide me to help others discover their “why” – their purpose that they might also live fulfilled, active kingdom building lives. In Jesus’ name

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #21 Wednesday February 21, 2024 “Pausing & Preparing”

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge – Day #21 Wednesday  February 21, 2024 “Pausing & Preparing”

S. Acts 28:11 (NIV) “...After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island.”

O. Paul was on the island waiting for the time to come to head to Rome. While he waited, he ministered to those on the island. My thought is that while Paul waited for God to lead him in the next step of his journey – he remained active in kingdom work.

 I was also reading today in Numbers 8 and 9 of how God would lead the people. The cloud of His presence would lift and move and so would the people. At times the cloud would descend and settle. They would set up the tabernacle and His presence would fill the tabernacle and the priests would minister to the people during this time.

So my observation today is that God seems to give us seasons when He is actively guiding us, moving us and directing us – and at other times we have paused from forward movement, but we are to continue to serve Him, doing His work from the place He has us paused at.

A. This is a great teaching. While we wait for God to lead us in the next step in our journey, we should remain active in His work. I have tried to do this. While I waited for God’s leading in my journey (2018-2022), I preached (pulpit supply), I journaled (blogs) and did my SQUINT podcasts. Even now at Better Life Church, we work and prepare in some areas as we get ready for God’s active leading in the next season.

P. Thank you Lord for leading me in the spiritual journey you have set for me.  I know that there are seasons of much activity and then there are other seasons when you have me pause and do prep work for the next active season. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to prepare myself and BLC for the next active season you have for us. In Jesus’ name.