SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading 1 Corinthians 9.

Scripture

“I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.” — 1 Corinthians 9:23

Observation

Paul had limited his freedom regarding things he ate, receiving money, marriage, etc. in order to advance the gospel. His was truly a life of love = a life of putting others ahead of himself. He did this voluntarily, but he also had a deep sense of obligation to preach the gospel (vs. 16-18).

Application

I, too, am called to live for the gospel–to do ALL things for the gospel. My agenda is not political or cultural–it is bringing God’s good news to all people.

Prayer

Father, thank you for the gospel. You have saved me and given me the privilege of proclaiming it to the world. But I also have an obligation to proclaim the gospel. Might I allow nothing to get in the way of this mission. Might I never assert “rights” that keep me from reaching the lost. Might Your gospel spread rapidly through me.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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.

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

Scripture

“Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be maligned.” –2 Peter 2:2

Observation

False teachers will arise in the church (vs. 1).
These false teachers will…

1. Be sensual: unbridled lust, excess lasciviousness, licentiousness, outrageousness, shamelessness
2. Lead others into sensual behavior
3. Exploit other people–use them for their gain
4. Be greedy for more

Because of these false teachers, the way of God will be maligned–railed at, reviled, be spoken of as evil, blasphemed.

Application

I expect false teachers, exploiting others and leading them into sin, in the world (on campus, Hollywood, etc), but when they are in the church, they are particularly disgusting, bothersome and dangerous.

Just think of the harm done by Catholic priests with their sexual scandals. Or consider the destruction and damage being done by “evangelicals” who are coming out in support of same-sex marriage. These people must be confronted, challenged and rebuked, or their false teaching will spread like cancer.

But I also think of false teachers in our schools, media, etc. People who would never listen to a Mormon, Jehovah’s Witness, Imam or even Joel Olstein and think nothing of paying money and listening to an atheist teaching and promoting a sensual path as long as that teacher is a professor or entertainment celebrity. We must warn and be on guard for these as well.

Prayer

Father, it seems as if the battle is never ending. The adversary is relentless in spreading false teaching and enticing people into sin. Our walls of protection have been broken down. Even your flock is in constant danger.

I pray for the grace, wisdom, courage and perseverance to fight the good fight, to protect Your church, to confront evil and evil-doers. I pray Your church would be protected from evil. I pray we can push back the darkness. I pray that Your word–Your truth–will spread rapidly and prevail!

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading 2 Peter 1.

Scripture

“Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them…I consider it right, as long as I’m in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder.” –2 Peter 1:12-13

Observation

Peter didn’t shy away from teaching things people had already heard and believed. He was READY (prepared) to do so, and he considered it RIGHT to do so.

People need to be stirred-up with truths they already know.

Application

I need to be reminded and stirred-up.

I need to remind and stir-up others. People tend toward spiritual apathy and need to be exhorted.

Don’t feel I always need to share something new. That’s just pride. The most profound, life-changing truths have been around for a long time!

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your unchanging truth. If there are new things I’m to learn and teach, might I discover them. But there’s so much I already know and yet drift away from. Remind me! Stir me up! And use me to remind others. Deliver me from the pride of thinking I need to teach something new. Your word is alive and exciting enough! Be blessed in the way I teach it! Amen.

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading 2 Peter 1.

Scripture

“For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” –2 Peter 1:4

Observation

God’s promises enable us to be like God.

His divine nature is the opposite of the corrupt, worldly nature of lust. By God’s promises, we ESCAPE the trap of lust.

Application

Know the promises of God! Believe them! Claim them! Live in light of them! Particularly, promises about God developing LOVE in me.

Prayer

Father, Your promises are precious; they’re magnificent! They enable me to escape the corruption caused by selfish LUST and to partake of Your loving nature.

Father, it seems that hardly anyone believes this anymore. So few people–even godly leaders–seem to believe it’s possible to overcome lust and walk in divine love. But I believe Your promises! Please make me a living demonstration of the power of Your promises to radically change a life and be glorified in me, I pray! Amen.

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading 2 Peter 3.

Scripture

“Know this first of all, that in the last days, mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts.” 2 Peter 3:3

Observation

Mockers aren’t following their intelligence–they’re following their lusts.

Know, realize, don’t be caught off guard or surprised by mockers.

Last days–>People given to their lusts–>more mockers mocking

Application

Expect to be mocked; it goes with being a Christian. But realize WHY mockers mock me: it’s because I’m living for Jesus, and they’re living for their lustful selves. Don’t be drawn into rabbit trail arguments; learn to bring attention to the real problem.

Prayer

Father, You have ordained that I live at this present-time–what very well may be the last days. How exciting but how challenging. Mockers mock while hiding their lust and justifying their sinful lives behind intellectual attacks on our faith.

Help me always to see sin and sinners’ justifications for what they really are, to expose them and call them to repentance.

I pray this for Your name and glory, Amen.

 

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

Scripture

“Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ.” –1 Peter 1:1

Observation

The first word he uses to identify himself is “bond-servant.”
Doulos: a slave; devoted to another to disregard of one’s own interests.
Metph: one who gives himself up to another’s will; those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing His cause among men.

Application

My first identity must be as a bond-servant of Christ. His will must be MY will.

Prayer

Father, I pledge myself to be a bond-servant of Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. His will is my will; His desire is my command. I seek to please Him in all that I do. This is my heart’s desire; deepen this conviction and commitment in my heart, I pray.

I live in a Christian culture that acts as if You are to be our servant; might my life clearly demonstrate the proper relationship of You as Lord. And I pray my wife, kids and their spouses would be your bond-servants as well.

Be glorified in us, I pray. Amen.

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading Isaiah 19.

Scripture

“For they will cry to the Lord because of oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Champion, and He will deliver them.” –Isaiah 19:20

Observation

God allowed people to have great difficulty/oppression so that they would call on HIM, and HE would deliver them. HE would be their Champion and Savior.

Application

Everyone has problems. They look to the most powerful source for solutions. In our day, most people seem to look to government to make things better. If they’re sick, they look to science. We must look to GOD and call on HIS NAME.

The church must be mobilized to PRAY–to call on God for deliverance and salvation. Too often do we look to political leaders and other people for our help. Certainly they are important and part of the solution, but our hope must be in God, and our FIRST step must be to PRAY.

Prayer

Father, I confess my own prayer-lessness to You. I confess the pride of thinking I, or government leaders, can fix what’s wrong in the world. You must send a Champion! And You already have! I put my hope and trust in Jesus! Strengthen me as I urge others to call on You and hope in You as well!

Amen.