SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading 2 Corinthians 5.

Scripture

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” –2 Corinthians 5:10

Observation

All of us–believer and unbeliever–will be judged by Jesus Christ. He is a worthy Judge for He faced the same tests and temptations as we do. It is at this time that we will be rewarded or recompensed. Our judgment will be based on what we have done “in the body.” There may be no further opportunity to gain reward after this life.

Ambition: a strong desire to do or achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work.

Application

I will see this day, again, at the judgment seat of Christ. Live in light of that day. How? By making it my AMBITION to please the Lord.

Prayer

Father, help me today to keep the finish line in sight–to remember that I will one Day stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Please deepen my ambition to please You and guard me from competing ambitions that would rob You of glory and rob me of eternal reward.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.