SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading 2 Timothy 4.

Scripture

“In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” –2 Timothy 4:8

Observation

Paul was an old man who could confidently look to his eternal future because he had faithfully served throughout his life.

There was a victor’s crown awaiting him–the crown of righteousness! The crown here never refers to a king’s crown (authority) but refers to an award given for victory in athletics (the Olympics) or in war for public or distinguished service.

This crown will be awarded–paid or re-paid–by the Lord. Imagine that day when “each man’s praise will come to him from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:5)

This crown is for those who love and anticipate the 2nd coming of Jesus.

Application

Although no one knows when their final day will be, I feel I’m entering the fourth quarter of my life. Two things that must be preeminent in my mind:

1) Finish my course.
2) Fix my hope on Jesus’ 2nd coming.

There are other legitimate concerns in life, but these must be priority.

Prayer

Father, you’ve given me one life here on earth; one chance, one opportunity to live for You. I sincerely desire to one day say, “I finished my course…in the future is laid up for me…” I look forward to the awards ceremony You will hold. And yet, Lord, I fear that on that day I will not be able to say that I finished my course–that there was still work left for me that I did not complete.

Father, help me to redeem my time; to use my life for You. Help me to know my course. I pray that I will play my part in accomplishing the Great Commission. There is so much to do and so many opportunities for service. Lead me each day so that I might make true PROGRESS in the faith.

I ask this in Jesus’ Name and for your glory! Amen.

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading 2 Timothy 3:2-4.

Scripture

For men will be…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God…” –2 Timothy 3:2-4

Observation

Lover of pleasure→root word is “hedone” from which we get “hedonism.” The belief that pleasure or happiness is the most important goal of life, thus to pursue or devote oneself to pleasure.
VS. Lover of God→To pursue and devote oneself to God; to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength

Application

In what do I “take pleasure”: the sensual gratification of my own desires or in knowing God and advancing His cause? In these last days, more and more people are driven by lustful pleasure rather than love for God, truth and Biblical principles. Be alert to this tendency and make sure it does not defile pure love for Jesus.

Prayer

Father, I do love You. When I slow down and consider You and Your ways, I desire to devote myself 100% to You. But the world’s offer of its own way of happiness can be so subtle and alluring. Might You have my heart each day and each hour as I deny myself to follow You fully and love You more dearly.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Scripture

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” –2 Timothy 2:15

Observation

Diligent: exert oneself, make haste
Approve: accepted, genuine, passes the test as authentic

We must be diligent–put forth sustained and purposeful effort–in how we handle the word of God. We are not to be slothful or careless with the word.

Sloppy theology leads to a person being “not approved” by God, and it is something to “be ashamed” about.

Application

Billy Graham says he wishes he had studied the word more. I often feel the same way. There are so many “good” distractions, but they are distractions, nonetheless.

The “degree” I seek: my ATG degree–>Approved to God.

Prayer

Father, I love Your word. It is perfect in every way. But there is so much false teaching, today. Help me diligently study Your Word, know the truth and teach it with accuracy and  clarity. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading 1 Timothy 6.

Scripture

“O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”–which some have professed and gone astray from the faith.” –1 Timothy 6:20-21

Observation

We have a treasured, vital message entrusted to us that we must guard–protect, assure that it is passed on accurately without distortion.

Worldly, empty talk makes it difficult to guard the message and pass it on.

There is certain “knowledge” out there which is actually deception and untrue. It leads us astray from faith/trust in the Lord.

Application

I, too, have a RESPONSIBILITY to pass on Scriptural truth in a way that is pure and accurate. I must guard the gospel, understanding of the New Testament church, who we are in Christ, our eternal value system, etc.

There is so much attack on our faith and way of life. I must have clear Scriptural support for what the Bible teaches, defend it from false teaching and pass it on. Apply myself to this. Be absorbed in the Bible!

Prayer

Father, I love You, Your ways, and Your word. Might I study it carefully and teach it accurately. Be glorified whenever I teach Your word.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

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

Scripture

“Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” –Colossians 2:2-3

Observation

treasures: the place in which good and precious things are collected and laid up.

The true treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in the Person of Jesus Christ. The world entices us to its false ideas–philosophy and empty deception–that only takes us captive. The world’s philosophy confuses us; it leads to meaningless living.

The treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ because 1) in Him, all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form (vs. 9), and 2) In Him, we are made complete (to be made full, filled to the top so that nothing is lacking).

Application

I have all I need in Christ. I AM COMPLETE in Him. So are all believers. Anything the world gives me is never to replace my completeness in Christ. It’s simply icing on the cake!

Prayer

Father, the world tells me I’m not complete without money, status, health, wife, possessions, education, etc. Actually, I’m complete in Christ! In Him are all treasures necessary for life! The other things are nice, but they can never match or replace Christ! Might I treasure Him today!

Amen.

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading Ephesians 6.

Scripture

“Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.” –Ephesians 6:24

Observation

We are to love the Lord Jesus. The greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Here, Paul is applying this command to Jesus our Lord.

It’s possible–even common, for a person’s love for Jesus to become corrupted.

corrupted: to destroy by corrupting; to bring to a worse state

Application

What corrupts/destroys/chips away at our love for Jesus?

1 Corinthians 15:33   Bad company
1 John 2:15-17    Loving the world–lust of flesh and eyes, boastful pride of life
1 Peter 2:11   Fleshly lusts/sins
Mark 4:19  Worries of world, deceitfulness of riches, desires for other things

Prayer

Father, my number one priority is to maintain my love for You. Actually, that my love for You would deepen and grow stronger. Help me guard my heart with all diligence and be ruthless in combating anything that steal away my love for you.

Amen.