SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading Isaiah 5.

Scripture

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.” –Isaiah 5:20-21

Observation

Some things never change! People reject God’s moral standards and replace them with their own–and they think they are wise and clever in doing so! Our country has taken this to a new extreme. Our education produces mounds of “research” and “studies” calling evil good. Our politicians create clever one-liners in which darkness is presented as light.

And Facebook and Twitter confirm this culture of clever, witty one-liners often exalting our wisdom and humor to the exclusion of God’s wisdom and truth.

But the prophet announces “WOE” to those who use such tactics to justify their sin. This is a judgment coming in which the Almighty God and those who are faithful to Him will be vindicated.

Application

Do not be swayed by our culture as it abandons God’s ways for its own foolishness. Keep my eyes on the end game, the final day, the Judgment, the prize.

Prayer

Father, I stand amazed at Your patience and long-suffering. You give people a long leash before You finally bring judgment.

But Your patience often brings trial and confusion to those of us seeking to remain faithful to You and Your ways. It doesn’t seem right that the wicked should prosper and prevail. Remind me that this is but a test of our faith and perseverance. If we stick to Your game plan, we will prevail in the end when it really counts.

Father, I pray for our country because I sense severe judgment is coming. Raise up Christian leaders to give guidance to Your church. Purify Your people that we might walk in holiness. Bring salvation to the lost. Tear down the strongholds and the people who war against You. Be glorified in me and in our nation both now and forever.

Amen.