SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading 1 Corinthians 5.

Scripture

“Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?” –1 Corinthians 5:6

Observation

The Corinthians tolerated sexual immorality in their midst. They didn’t deal with sin. Paul didn’t call this “compassion,” he called it “boasting” that was not good.

A little leaven spreads through the whole lump of dough, likewise, as little sin spreads and defiles the whole body.

Application

Sin can not be ignored. It defiles the whole church. I so often hear believers talk of sin as if it’s no big deal, and we all sin all the time. But this refers to obvious, blatant, public sin. If we tolerate that, the church will be defiled.

Prayer

Father, I am grateful that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. Jesus is my only hope of salvation. But He also calls me to holy living. The lack of holiness is defiling and weakening Your church. Help me to be holy without becoming a Pharisee. And help me to teach accurately and inspire others to holiness as well. And when necessary, help me confront sin with courage and compassion.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading 1 Corinthians 4.

Scripture

“Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.” –1 Corinthians 4:1-2

Observation

People had been boasting as “being of Paul,” Cephas or others. Paul simply wanted to be known as “servants of Christ.” He wanted believers UNITED around Jesus, not DIVIDED around men’s philosophy of ministry or other things that wrongly divide, today. What mattered was to be a faithful steward of God’s Truth.

Application

Men boast in titles and their achievements. Paul boasted in serving Christ. He didn’t live for his own glory but the glory of Another. God desires unity, and unity will come as we all are deeply committed to exalting Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Father, You want Your children united in the body of Your Son–Jesus Christ. Might I never divide Your church but unite it to glorify Jesus.
My greatest honor and accolade is that I’m a servant of Christ!
Might this always be my greatest boast!

In Jesus’ name and for His glory, Amen.

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading Revelation 4.

Scripture

“[They] will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne…” Revelation 4:10

Observation

It is Jesus who sits on the throne.
He is to be worshipped for He alone is worthy (vs. 11) He is worthy because HE created all things (note: all things did not evolve naturally).
We wil cast our crowns before His throne.

Application

I’m struck with how two words come together in this verse: “throne” and “worship.”
Part of worship is to recognize and practically live in the reality that Jesus is on the throne of God. As such, He should also be on the throne of my life as well. If I usurp His authority and place myself on the throne of my life, I can’t call myself a worshipper of God.

Prayer

Father, I confess my human tendency to displace the rightful position of Jesus on the throne of my life. It’s subtle, and I usually don’t recognize when I do it. I ask You to make me spiritually aware and sensitive to times I usurp Your kingship because, deep in my soul, I believe You are the King, and I honestly desire for You to have full authority and kingship in my life!

For Your glory, I pray.  Amen.