My daily journaling from God’s Word, SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading Psalm 8.

Scripture

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars which You have ordained; What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for Him? Yet you make him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty!” –Psalm 8:3-5

Observation

The heavens belong to God! He made them to display His power and bigness! David sensed this long before the invention of the telescope. He felt awe as he looked into the night sky.

And he felt small–insignificant. Don’t we all when we look at the stars? I’m just one person in billions on a planet that is just one of billions. I shouldn’t count. I shouldn’t have value. And yet, down deep, we know we have value; we’re not insignificant! Where does this innate sense of value come from? From God our Creator! He gave us value! This inner sense that tells me I matter makes no sense unless there is a God who made me in His image!

Application

Make time to go out and look at the night sky. Allow myself to FEEL God’s presence and awe during those times!

Prayer

Father, You are the great and awesome Creator of the heavens and earth; of life; of all things seen and unseen! I praise You!

I realize I’m less than a speck in this universe, and yet, I know I have value and significance. It’s because You have created me in Your image–just a little lower than You Yourself! What an honor!

Father, live in me! Show Your mighty power in me and through me. Help me fulfill Your purposes for my life.

For Your glory! Amen.

My daily journaling from God’s Word, SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading Psalm 4.

Scripture

“O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him.” –Psalm 4:2-3

Observation

So many people seek after and aim for that which is deceptive and dishonorable. The godly man embraces God’s honor, even if others mock and dishonor him for doing so. The godly man aims for and seeks the truth. Often, the godly will need to stand alone with only God by his side, but God will be by his side.

Application

As taught here and in Psalm 1, don’t walk in the same path as the world; be a godly man who walks in the ways of the Lord. Value what God values.

This week will be a test in this. My football team had a great victory and is heading to the championship. Sure, I’m excited, but our city will be going nuts. In the greater scene of life, this is still just a game and thus, win or lose, shouldn’t affect my emotions. In fact, my highlight from yesterday was not an awesome game, but the opportunity to meet our evangelistic team in Nepal and teach them the word via Skype. In eternity, that simple ministry will mean a lot more than a football championship.

Prayer

Father, I only have one life to live. I want to make it really count!

There are so many things on earth that can distract me from that which matters most. For me, I can enjoy a game, but unlike others, it isn’t my life.  You and Your kingdom are my life! And so, today, Lord, might I be a godly man set apart for You! Might I love what You love, hate what You hate and be a bit more indifferent to things that don’t really matter to You.

You’ve called me to aim for godliness and not for that which is worthless and deceptive. Might I answer this honorable call on my life!

For Your glory, I pray, Amen.

My daily journaling from God’s Word, SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading Psalm 1.

Scripture

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night.” –Psalm 1:2

Observation

Delight: To take pleasure in; joy; satisfaction of the mind
Meditate: To dwell on in thought, to contemplate, to turn or revolve in the mind.
Blessed: Enjoying spiritual happiness and the favor of God

A person who views life (or understands life) from the perspective of ungodly people will be divinely favored and will enjoy the happiness of the heart.

We are to delight in God’s word–not read it solely out of obligation.
We are to have God’s word on our heart day and night–to always contemplate it and allow it to revolve in our mind.

Application

Enjoy God’s word. I find that allocating enough time in the word is essential to move beyond dutiful reading to joyful meditation. Allow time to be in the Word without being rushed. Meditation takes time–both initially (i.e. journaling) and throughout the day (i.e. stopping to remind myself of scripture during a busy day).

Prayer

Father, You begin this wonderful book of worship (the Psalms) with an exatlation of Your word. Might the word of God be more exalted in me, more magnified, more central to my thought, values, faith and speech than it was last year.

Father, I delight in Your word. Help me to delight even more. Speak to my soul in deep, personal ways. Fill my heart with Your truth. Give me more  understanding. Give me spiritual wisdom. Might your word be more delightful than entertainment, the victory of my favorite team, money, a great meal or even a good friendship.

Father, remind me and help me allocate the time in Your word that is necessary to truly feed my soul to the realm of spiritual delight. Short amounts of duty don’t cut it. I desire to FEAST on Your word day and night. Bread of heaven, feed me till I’ll hold no more!

For Your glory I ask this! Amen.