SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading Psalm 143.

Scripture

“I will remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I muse on all the work of Your hands.” –Psalm 143:5

Observation

God is at work all the time and all around us. But due to our pride and spiritual blindness, we don’t notice His sovereign hand unless we stop and think about it–ponder it, consider it, meditate on it.

Application

Slow down, think and proactively consider what God HAS DONE so that I may be more aware of what He IS DOING now.

Prayer

Father, I forget so easily the wonderful ways you have worked in my life. I get busy and bothered by little, temporary things without remembering how You work in “Big Picture” ways. But not even a sparrow falls to the ground without Your notice; how much more are You at work in Your children.

Father, I thank You for Your work in my life, in my family, in my ministry, in GCC, in my church, in my nation and in creation. Thank You for how You have brought me through trials, grown me, brought people into my life, provided for me and used me in Your service. You are so faithful. I praise You, thank you and love You!

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading Psalm 135.

Scripture

“Praise the Lord for the Lord is good; Sing praises to His name, for it is lovely. For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His own possession [special treasure]. ” –Psalm 135:3-4

Observation

Of all the beautiful things in this world–mountains, oceans, stars, plains, trees, gems–the Lord’s special treasure is the people He has chosen to be His own. He treasures His people; we are His possession.

Application

I need to treasure God’s people as well. I want to love and value/treasure God’s people the way He does! Every Christian has something beautiful in them worthy treasuring–Jesus Christ. Learn not to see believers according to the flesh but to see Jesus in them!

Prayer

Father, I praise You for Your amazing love. You humble Yourself to care for, love and treasure people/me! How awesome that the one who has access to the entire universe would consider us to be His special treasure.

O, Lord, soften my heart and open my eyes to see this treasure in every believer and this potential in every person. Fill me with Your love for others, I pray!

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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

Scripture

“But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared…” Titus 3:4

Observation

Kindness: Good will; benevolence; the disposition which delights in contributing to the happiness of others, which is exercised cheerfully in gratifying their wishes, supplying their wants or alleviating their distresses. Kindness ever accompanies love (Webster).

God’s kindness led Him to come save us. We are not saved by our own merit of good deeds but by His grace motivated by His kindness and love.

In context, kindness shows up amidst our total unworthiness. Verse 3 talks of how sinful we were before salvation. Other references to God’s kindness follow this same theme:

Luke 6:35 : God is kind to evil, ungrateful men

Romans 2:4 : His kindness leads evil men to repentance

1 Peter 2:3 : Put aside malice if I’ve tested the kindness of the Lord

Application

Be kind to people–especially those who are not worthy of it. Remember, I, too, was once lost, ignorant of God, selfish, proud, hateful and bound by sin. And I didn’t even see it until God opened my eyes. Treat others with the same kindness with which God treated me.

Prayer

Father, I thank You for Your kindness and love toward evil, ungrateful men. You showed kindness to me when you saved this poor, ignorant, blind sinner. I’m grateful.

And I desire to be like You. Help me show Your kindness…

• when people are mean to me
• when people mistreat me
• when people speak evil of me
• when people make fun of me
• when people are in need
• when people don’t deserve it

Might I never hold a grudge. Might I never seek to get even. Might I have a kind disposition toward all. And might Your kindness in me–shown to evil and ungrateful men–lead to the salvation of many and prove to bring  great glory to You!

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

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.

 

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

Scripture

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7

Observation

mock: to sneer at, turn up the nose, deride, to treat with contempt.

This is not saying that people can’t mock God–it’s saying they can’t get away with it. God is a holy God; ultimately, He will not allow His authority to be usurped. The final accounting will be at the Judgment Day, but it is also shown on this earth in this life through the principle of sowing and reaping.

Application

Be careful where I invest my time, money, resources and heart. Choices I make to sow will produce a harvest–good or bad. Therefore, sow to the spirit: sow love, faith, the word of God, evangelize, teach God’s truth, serve people–live for God’s eternal Kingdom and by His eternal principles. There is a reward. It may take time for the fruit to come forth but be patient–it will come.

Prayer

Father, thank you that You will prevail in the end. Thank you for opening my eyes to eternal Kingdom values. Might I persevere in both living them and teaching them to others.
For Your glory, Amen.