SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading 3 John.

Scripture

“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” –3 John 4.

Observation

There are a lot of things that could bring this aged apostle joy; his greatest joy was to hear of his children walking in the truth.

John saw his spiritual fruit as his children. New Testament Christianity developed spiritual family relationships: children, fathers, brothers, sisters, etc

These believers were “walking in the truth.” They were living what they believed and others could see it (vs. 3)

Application

I, too, am delighted when I hear of people walking in the truth, but I need to be even more so–“no GREATER joy.” I can’t say this is my GREATEST joy, but I want it to be.

Prayer

Father, I thank You for my children: my actual blood off-spring, their spouses and my grandchildren. And I thank You for the spiritual children You have given me. They all bring me such joy.

Might each one truly walk in the truth with all sincerity and faithfulness. Use me as an instrument in Your hands to help them live in the truth. Might their walking in truth be my highest goal and aspiration for each of them.

In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading 3 John.

Scripture

“You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.” — 3 John 6-8

Observation

It is our responsibility to help people who depart and go forth for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. These people aren’t being supported by a business, the government, etc. They are advancing to new areas, so obviously, they have no believers to support them. We are to send them in a way “worthy of God” –as if we were supporting God Himself. If we do, we will share in their work and their reward.

Application

I have gone forth for the Lord. Those who support me share in my labor, my fruit and my reward; they are fellow workers with me.

But I also have resources of my own that I should use to send others in a manner worthy of God. Of all people I support, it should be those who go forth, for Scripture says that we should send them “in a manner worthy of God.”

What a joy and privilege and sober responsibility it is to support with all the resources I have available (money, prayer, advice/counsel) those who have gone forth for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Prayer

Father, I am deeply grateful for those who support me with their finances, their prayer, their hospitality, their counsel, their encouraging words, and other ways that slip my mind. My ministry partners really have sent me forth in a manner worthy of God. What an honor for me to go forth for the sake of the Name and to be supported in this mission.

I pray for others who have also gone forth. Might they be treated this honorably as well. Thank You for the resources you’ve entrusted to me; help me be generous in giving to others–in sending them in a way worthy of You. Help me not fear if I’ll have enough when I’m old and weak; You’ll care for me then as You do now.

Thank you for your financial kingdom principles. They truly are radical and reflect true Christian love!

And they bring You glory…and great joy when You see us practicing them!

Amen.

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading 2 Peter 2.

Scripture

“For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.” –2 Peter 2:20

Observation

Escape: to flee from
Defilements: pollutes, contaminates

World (kosmos): the whole circle of earthly goods, endowments, riches, advantages, pleasures, etc, which although hollow and frail and fleeting, stir desire, seduce from God and are obstacles to the cause of Christ (Vines dictionary).

Entangled: To interweave
Overcome: to be made less, inferior, overcome

The world defiles us. We must flee and escape its snares. But once we’re free, we must never go back and allow it to capture us. If we do, that condition is worse than had we never known the way of the Lord.

Application

It is possible for a person who knows the Lord to become really messed up by the world. The pull of the world is often stronger on older people than on the younger. But the world and its ways defile us. Greed, pride, selfishness, sensuality–these things are not right for a bond-servant of Christ.

I must guard my heart from worldliness and never think the world could not ensnare me some time in the future.

Prayer

Father, the world is ever present, seeking to squeeze me into its mold. But it is so opposite of Your kingdom! And Your kingdom is so much more wonderful, more satisfying, more fulfilling.

I have chosen Your way. I can’t imagine ever going back to the world because You have the words of eternal life. But I acknowledge how easily I can be deceived by the world’s ways. They are seductive and deceitful. Might my soul always be sensitive to Your Holy Spirit and might You have my whole heart lest, unawares to me, I fall into the traps of the world and become ensnared by them. I will love not the world so that You might have my whole heart.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.