Click this link for today's reading.
Today I focused on Matthew 26.40 - Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
How often I'm faced with the fact that Jesus points out to Peter here. The spirit is willing...I have even used this as an excuse for not doing y things that I should. Watch and pray. That has been a mantra of mine lately, but yet I find myself as Jesus found Peter. Willing in spirit, but weak in my flesh. There is only one way that I know to change this. I must do as Paul did and die daily.
I can apply this verse in my life immediately by exercising my spirit man more than my flesh. I will make my spirit stronger by way of prayer, fasting and praying in the spirit.
Father, thank You for today. Thank You for illuminating for me what I have need of. Thank You for exposing to me what I can change in my life to better please You. Help me Lord to walk this out day by day, hour by hour and minute by minute.
Lord I believe, help my unbelief. In Jesus' name. Amen.
I hope that your week has been as full as mine in His Word. Keep the faith and wear the crown.
Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
SOAP For Today 29 Jan 2009
Click this link for today's reading
Psalm 7.10 - My defense is of God, Who saves the upright in heart.
How easy it is to forget that we have a God who defends us against wrongs. Knowing that I am a man who likes to make justice, I need to pay attention to this. God both can and will defend me when I'm in need, and / or suffering from a wrong.
I can apply this going forward to my life with a simple memory of this verse. I have it memorized and can call on it, when the time comes and I need to chill out.
Father, thank You for being my defender. You are a man of war, you will fight my battles. I thank You. Lord, please bring this verse to my remembrance in the evil day when I am in need of it. Thank You Jesus.
Psalm 7.10 - My defense is of God, Who saves the upright in heart.
How easy it is to forget that we have a God who defends us against wrongs. Knowing that I am a man who likes to make justice, I need to pay attention to this. God both can and will defend me when I'm in need, and / or suffering from a wrong.
I can apply this going forward to my life with a simple memory of this verse. I have it memorized and can call on it, when the time comes and I need to chill out.
Father, thank You for being my defender. You are a man of war, you will fight my battles. I thank You. Lord, please bring this verse to my remembrance in the evil day when I am in need of it. Thank You Jesus.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
SOAP For Today 28 Jan 2009
Click this link for today's reading
Matthew 25.31-45
What I found intriguing about the parable here is that both the sheep and the goats were in the company of Jesus. They were mingled together before they were separated. Appears to me that what separated them was how they treated those in need.
It is easy to see that God has a heart for the poor and those that are "forgotten" by the mainstream. I cannot tell you how many "church" people I know that show by their actions (as well as lack of action) that they couldn't care less. This is sad and they are deceived.
I can apply this knowledge to my life on the daily as I seek divine appointments to be of service to my fellow man. There is no shortage of those in need, especially these days.
Lord, thank You for a renewed mind that has left childish things behind. Thank you for a mind that is stayed on you, surrounded by Your counsel and wisdom, and filled with Your thoughts. I thank You today and every day for the impositions and untimely inconveniences that will be a help to those You've placed in my path that are in need. Let those that I service see You in me and not that I suppose to be anything.
Thanks Father.
Matthew 25.31-45
What I found intriguing about the parable here is that both the sheep and the goats were in the company of Jesus. They were mingled together before they were separated. Appears to me that what separated them was how they treated those in need.
It is easy to see that God has a heart for the poor and those that are "forgotten" by the mainstream. I cannot tell you how many "church" people I know that show by their actions (as well as lack of action) that they couldn't care less. This is sad and they are deceived.
I can apply this knowledge to my life on the daily as I seek divine appointments to be of service to my fellow man. There is no shortage of those in need, especially these days.
Lord, thank You for a renewed mind that has left childish things behind. Thank you for a mind that is stayed on you, surrounded by Your counsel and wisdom, and filled with Your thoughts. I thank You today and every day for the impositions and untimely inconveniences that will be a help to those You've placed in my path that are in need. Let those that I service see You in me and not that I suppose to be anything.
Thanks Father.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
SOAP For Today 27 January 2009
Matt 24.13 - But he who endures to the end will be saved.
What a thought! What a concept! We know this to be true, but rarely see it lived out. I realize that getting to the "end" requires not only endurance, but patience. More than that, it requires allowing patience to have her perfect work. Endurance can be developed as can patience. They work together for my salvation in this place and many others.
I can apply this to my life on a regular basis as life is filled with opportunities to become more mature in these areas. Knowing that muscles only grow with exercise, I must capitalize on all opportunities to exercise my patience and become stronger through enduring more and more.
Father, thank You for your word. Thank you for a mind that is set on You and willing to be renewed by the washing of the word. Thank you for the new mercy of today. Lord help me by the power of Your Spirit to allow patience to do her thing. Allow patience to build my endurance, nad keep my eyes on my end which is deliverance and salvation. Lord I bless You and adore You. I ask these things and receive them in Jesus' name.
What a thought! What a concept! We know this to be true, but rarely see it lived out. I realize that getting to the "end" requires not only endurance, but patience. More than that, it requires allowing patience to have her perfect work. Endurance can be developed as can patience. They work together for my salvation in this place and many others.
I can apply this to my life on a regular basis as life is filled with opportunities to become more mature in these areas. Knowing that muscles only grow with exercise, I must capitalize on all opportunities to exercise my patience and become stronger through enduring more and more.
Father, thank You for your word. Thank you for a mind that is set on You and willing to be renewed by the washing of the word. Thank you for the new mercy of today. Lord help me by the power of Your Spirit to allow patience to do her thing. Allow patience to build my endurance, nad keep my eyes on my end which is deliverance and salvation. Lord I bless You and adore You. I ask these things and receive them in Jesus' name.
Monday, January 26, 2009
SOAP For Today 26 January 2009
Today I can't take my eyes off of Matthew 23.3 - "So observe and practice what they tell you; but do not do what they do, for they preach, but do not practice."
I believe I'm not alone in knowing people that don't walk what they talk. That being said and coupled with other knowledge I have of scripture, this verse is significant. The last thing that I'd want to be is one who is considered learned but not practiced. Jesus actually said to listen to such, but do not imitate them. Eat the meat and spit out the bones. Nice.
I can apply this to my life in an everyday awareness of myself that I am what I do. I decided a while ago to endeavor to only act in ways that I would if everyone I knew would learn of my actions. I today will reaffirm that behavior.
Father, thank You so much for Your example. You alone are truth, justice and right. Keep my feet from evil today and every day as I endeavor to do Your will and walk in Your way. In Jesus' name.
I missed the last two days on account of computer problems. I did however keep up with the study, just didn't post. Hopefully, I was not missed.
Keep the faith and wear the crown.
Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.
I believe I'm not alone in knowing people that don't walk what they talk. That being said and coupled with other knowledge I have of scripture, this verse is significant. The last thing that I'd want to be is one who is considered learned but not practiced. Jesus actually said to listen to such, but do not imitate them. Eat the meat and spit out the bones. Nice.
I can apply this to my life in an everyday awareness of myself that I am what I do. I decided a while ago to endeavor to only act in ways that I would if everyone I knew would learn of my actions. I today will reaffirm that behavior.
Father, thank You so much for Your example. You alone are truth, justice and right. Keep my feet from evil today and every day as I endeavor to do Your will and walk in Your way. In Jesus' name.
I missed the last two days on account of computer problems. I did however keep up with the study, just didn't post. Hopefully, I was not missed.
Keep the faith and wear the crown.
Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.
Friday, January 23, 2009
SOAP For Today 23 January 2009
Click this link for today's reading
Genesis 45:5-8 (NIV) - And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.
I'm certain that the bible assures us that all things work together for good... This is an amazingly difficult scripture to lean on when you are in the midst of a mess. But it is no less true. I have seen it in my own life time and again. I have actually been put to the test concerning this principle while preaching a series about it. I came out on the other side every time with good in my rearview. God is awesome!
I can continue to apply this truth in my life by not being discouraged when I have problems and / or challenges. I can have blessed assurance that it will all not only work out, but work together for my good.
Father, thank You for Your word and Your abundant mercy and patience. I wish to please You more and more. Help me to see You in the times when You seem far from me. Help me to call You when You seem not to hear. Help me to believe when My belief is put to the test. Thank You Jesus.
Genesis 45:5-8 (NIV) - And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.
I'm certain that the bible assures us that all things work together for good... This is an amazingly difficult scripture to lean on when you are in the midst of a mess. But it is no less true. I have seen it in my own life time and again. I have actually been put to the test concerning this principle while preaching a series about it. I came out on the other side every time with good in my rearview. God is awesome!
I can continue to apply this truth in my life by not being discouraged when I have problems and / or challenges. I can have blessed assurance that it will all not only work out, but work together for my good.
Father, thank You for Your word and Your abundant mercy and patience. I wish to please You more and more. Help me to see You in the times when You seem far from me. Help me to call You when You seem not to hear. Help me to believe when My belief is put to the test. Thank You Jesus.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
SOAP For Today 22 Jan2009.
Click this link for today's reading
Psalm 5.11-12 - 11 But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. 12 For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous;With favor You will surround him as with a shield.
It is amazing to me how the Bible links trust and faith to praise and worship. If you trust, you'll rejoice. If you rejoice, He blesses. Wonderful!
I've applied this scripture in my life today by maintaining a heart that is overflowing with praise and adoration to my Maker and King. I have kept my face toward His by lifting up praise to His name on every hand. He is after all, worthy.
Father, thank you, thank you, thank you. I love Your presence, and wish to be where You are all of my days. Teach me o God to sing love songs to You. Teach me o God to bless you when I am high and low. Compel me by Your Spirit to walk with You in the beauty of holiness.
I love You Lord. Keep me in Your care. In Jesus name.
Psalm 5.11-12 - 11 But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. 12 For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous;With favor You will surround him as with a shield.
It is amazing to me how the Bible links trust and faith to praise and worship. If you trust, you'll rejoice. If you rejoice, He blesses. Wonderful!
I've applied this scripture in my life today by maintaining a heart that is overflowing with praise and adoration to my Maker and King. I have kept my face toward His by lifting up praise to His name on every hand. He is after all, worthy.
Father, thank you, thank you, thank you. I love Your presence, and wish to be where You are all of my days. Teach me o God to sing love songs to You. Teach me o God to bless you when I am high and low. Compel me by Your Spirit to walk with You in the beauty of holiness.
I love You Lord. Keep me in Your care. In Jesus name.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
SOAP for Today 21 January 2009
Click this link for today's reading.
Matthew 19.26 - Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Is this really true? Do I really believe this? Yes I do. I not only believe it with some sort of blind faith, I have proved it in my own life. I don't however usually operate as though it is a fundamental truth in operation as God would have me to. I think that all of us would behave differently on so many levels if we actually were mindful of this small verse minute by minute.
I will believe God for the impossible. I believe that He wants me to. (Don't look at me like that, you too.)
Father I thank You today for Your word. I thank you for the assurance that what You say I can have, I can have. I thank you for challenging my faith in areas that I need to grow. I have believed you for the impossible, but I don't believe you for the impossible often enough. Lord I believe. Help my unbelief.
I love you Lord. It's in Jesus' name that I pray. Amen.
Matthew 19.26 - Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Is this really true? Do I really believe this? Yes I do. I not only believe it with some sort of blind faith, I have proved it in my own life. I don't however usually operate as though it is a fundamental truth in operation as God would have me to. I think that all of us would behave differently on so many levels if we actually were mindful of this small verse minute by minute.
I will believe God for the impossible. I believe that He wants me to. (Don't look at me like that, you too.)
Father I thank You today for Your word. I thank you for the assurance that what You say I can have, I can have. I thank you for challenging my faith in areas that I need to grow. I have believed you for the impossible, but I don't believe you for the impossible often enough. Lord I believe. Help my unbelief.
I love you Lord. It's in Jesus' name that I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Soap For Today, 20 January 2009
Link for todays reading
Genesis 39.2 - But the Lord was with Joseph, and he [though a slave] was a successful and prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
This is a verse that is a testimony of the goodness of God. To pronounce that Joseph though enslaved was a prosperous man is unfathomable...but God! You don't typically hear of SLAVES being prosperous, but with God all things shall be possible. Whatever my situation may be I can do all things through Christ who is my strength. God is not a respecter of personage so I can have this favor and prosperity as well.
I can apply this to my life in that I will be mindful that God can make something out of nothing.
Father, I thank You for this word. I thank You for all that you are doing and have done to make my way prosperous. You said that You would give me favor with God and with man. I receive it Sir. FAther help me to keep in mind that You are the one that makes my way and I have to but follow Your leading to get where you want me to go. I thank You again Lord for Your promise that these things are as I have said. In the name of Jesus my Messiah. Amen.
Genesis 39.2 - But the Lord was with Joseph, and he [though a slave] was a successful and prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.
This is a verse that is a testimony of the goodness of God. To pronounce that Joseph though enslaved was a prosperous man is unfathomable...but God! You don't typically hear of SLAVES being prosperous, but with God all things shall be possible. Whatever my situation may be I can do all things through Christ who is my strength. God is not a respecter of personage so I can have this favor and prosperity as well.
I can apply this to my life in that I will be mindful that God can make something out of nothing.
Father, I thank You for this word. I thank You for all that you are doing and have done to make my way prosperous. You said that You would give me favor with God and with man. I receive it Sir. FAther help me to keep in mind that You are the one that makes my way and I have to but follow Your leading to get where you want me to go. I thank You again Lord for Your promise that these things are as I have said. In the name of Jesus my Messiah. Amen.
Monday, January 19, 2009
SOAP For Today the 19th of January 2009
Matthew 17.20 - He said to them, Because of the litleness of your faith [that is, your lack of firmly relying trust]. For truly I say to you, if you have faith [that is living] like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to yonder place, and it will move; nothing will be impossible for you.
This is a favorite scripture of mine. What a statement! Jesus is actually saying that we have the ability to be as God originally planned when He created us in His image and likeness; so that when we speak, watch out...just like when He speaks. Every time I see this verse I get excited about the potential of my words when spoken in faith.
In applying this scripture to my life today, I can say that I will b careful what I say, whether it be in faith. needless to say, I can say the wrong thing, and believe it to be so, and have it. I gonna watch what I say. I will study to speak not only words in faith, but the correct and profitable words in faith.
Lord, I thank you for your confidence in mankind to allow us to have what we say. I thank you for placing within me and growing in me a faith that will indeed be a seed for a season, but grow and blossom as big a mustard tree. Help me father to live this verse out the way Jesus intended when He spoke it to me. Lord I believe, help my unbelief.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
I wanted to let you know that I had opportunity to go back on my word that I spoke yesterday, but I resisted the temptation and did as I should have; inconvenience and all. Thank the Lord.
I'm sure you've had victories today as well. I'm believing with you and I love you with the love of the Lord. Keep the faith and wear the crown.
Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.
This is a favorite scripture of mine. What a statement! Jesus is actually saying that we have the ability to be as God originally planned when He created us in His image and likeness; so that when we speak, watch out...just like when He speaks. Every time I see this verse I get excited about the potential of my words when spoken in faith.
In applying this scripture to my life today, I can say that I will b careful what I say, whether it be in faith. needless to say, I can say the wrong thing, and believe it to be so, and have it. I gonna watch what I say. I will study to speak not only words in faith, but the correct and profitable words in faith.
Lord, I thank you for your confidence in mankind to allow us to have what we say. I thank you for placing within me and growing in me a faith that will indeed be a seed for a season, but grow and blossom as big a mustard tree. Help me father to live this verse out the way Jesus intended when He spoke it to me. Lord I believe, help my unbelief.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
I wanted to let you know that I had opportunity to go back on my word that I spoke yesterday, but I resisted the temptation and did as I should have; inconvenience and all. Thank the Lord.
I'm sure you've had victories today as well. I'm believing with you and I love you with the love of the Lord. Keep the faith and wear the crown.
Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
SOAP For Today
Matthew 16.24 - Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."
This is a very bold statement of Jesus, that I don't feel we pay enough attention to in our lives. I have rarely seen the likes of this scripture played out in the lives of God's people; least of all my life. What I see running absolutely rampant in our society is a culture of not only "me first", but also "only me". Needless to say that attitude and frame is in direct opposition to the words of Jesus.
I was even reminded of this attitude in church service today. As we sang the song "Healer", I couldn't help but recognize the selfish heart that penned the words. A powerful song and otherwise gift from God was totally ruined by selfish ambition and a total lack of faith in God to make the song the testimony that He wanted it to be. How sad are we and how far away from these words we are.
In my life today and every other day, I will strive to kill James Greggs, and allow Jesus to live through me. I will strive today to deny my self and truly put God first in all of my actions, behaviors, and relations. I don't want it to be said of me what Jesus said to Peter, Get behind me Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.
Father, thank you for your Spirit and His striving with me. Thank you for a mind and heart that is willing to go with You all of the way, all of the time. Father I believe. Help my unbelief. Keep me in remembrance of the things that I've committed to and allow me to please You more. Thank You Lord for the confidence to know that I have what I say. Thank you for these and everything in Jesus name I pray. Amen.
See you tomorrow! Keep the faith and wear the crown.
Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.
This is a very bold statement of Jesus, that I don't feel we pay enough attention to in our lives. I have rarely seen the likes of this scripture played out in the lives of God's people; least of all my life. What I see running absolutely rampant in our society is a culture of not only "me first", but also "only me". Needless to say that attitude and frame is in direct opposition to the words of Jesus.
I was even reminded of this attitude in church service today. As we sang the song "Healer", I couldn't help but recognize the selfish heart that penned the words. A powerful song and otherwise gift from God was totally ruined by selfish ambition and a total lack of faith in God to make the song the testimony that He wanted it to be. How sad are we and how far away from these words we are.
In my life today and every other day, I will strive to kill James Greggs, and allow Jesus to live through me. I will strive today to deny my self and truly put God first in all of my actions, behaviors, and relations. I don't want it to be said of me what Jesus said to Peter, Get behind me Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.
Father, thank you for your Spirit and His striving with me. Thank you for a mind and heart that is willing to go with You all of the way, all of the time. Father I believe. Help my unbelief. Keep me in remembrance of the things that I've committed to and allow me to please You more. Thank You Lord for the confidence to know that I have what I say. Thank you for these and everything in Jesus name I pray. Amen.
See you tomorrow! Keep the faith and wear the crown.
Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
SOAP For Today
Today what jumped out at me was found in Proverbs 17.6 - Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father.
Is this not absolutely true? When you were a kid, wasn't your father like a superhero. How many times did I say and hear, "my dad can beat your dad."? Every child wants to be proud of their father. Some even make things up if the truth isn't substantial enough for them.
I will be mindful of this scripture as I go about my day. On the eve of my son's seventh birthday, I am hopeful that he can remain proud of his daddy. I want to be the kind of father that my father is to me. To this day, my dad is a role model to me, and I want to be like him. So I will be mindful of the word here to remain a hero to my babies as long as they need me to be.
Dear Father, I thank you for your provision of an earthly father who is walking a path before You and me that I can be proud of. I thank You for the good that my father imparted to me both with and without words. Lord, help me to be the father that You have called me to be. I realize that no one else can do for my children what You have given me to do for them. Help me to be mindful of this conversation in the day of temptation to stray from Your will. Help me Father to be the kind of father that You are.
I love you Lord. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Is this not absolutely true? When you were a kid, wasn't your father like a superhero. How many times did I say and hear, "my dad can beat your dad."? Every child wants to be proud of their father. Some even make things up if the truth isn't substantial enough for them.
I will be mindful of this scripture as I go about my day. On the eve of my son's seventh birthday, I am hopeful that he can remain proud of his daddy. I want to be the kind of father that my father is to me. To this day, my dad is a role model to me, and I want to be like him. So I will be mindful of the word here to remain a hero to my babies as long as they need me to be.
Dear Father, I thank you for your provision of an earthly father who is walking a path before You and me that I can be proud of. I thank You for the good that my father imparted to me both with and without words. Lord, help me to be the father that You have called me to be. I realize that no one else can do for my children what You have given me to do for them. Help me to be mindful of this conversation in the day of temptation to stray from Your will. Help me Father to be the kind of father that You are.
I love you Lord. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Friday, January 16, 2009
SOAP For Today
The scripture that spoke most to me today during my reading was Matthew 14.28- And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."
It says to me that if I am actually believing the testimony of Jesus Christ that tells me that He's chosen me and I can be like Him; then the impossible that He has shown to be possible is in my reach as well.
I will apply this verse in my life today by looking for and taking advantage of opportunities to do what Jesus would do in any given moment, because I believe that I am His ambassador and have been grated His name and authority to act as He would in the earth.
Lord I thank you for today. I thank you for your mercies that woke me and comfort me through today. I love your word in that it does not change but says more and more each day. Hide me in the shadow of your arms today and reveal Yourself to me and through me. I want to be an effective and attractive witness for Your namesake. Empower me and endow me with Your Spirit to be who You've said that I am. Thanks Father. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
I hope this is helping you guys. I love you and I'll be here again tomorrow.
Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.
It says to me that if I am actually believing the testimony of Jesus Christ that tells me that He's chosen me and I can be like Him; then the impossible that He has shown to be possible is in my reach as well.
I will apply this verse in my life today by looking for and taking advantage of opportunities to do what Jesus would do in any given moment, because I believe that I am His ambassador and have been grated His name and authority to act as He would in the earth.
Lord I thank you for today. I thank you for your mercies that woke me and comfort me through today. I love your word in that it does not change but says more and more each day. Hide me in the shadow of your arms today and reveal Yourself to me and through me. I want to be an effective and attractive witness for Your namesake. Empower me and endow me with Your Spirit to be who You've said that I am. Thanks Father. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
I hope this is helping you guys. I love you and I'll be here again tomorrow.
Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
SOAP For Today
Scripture for today was Genesis 29 which tells the story of Jacob and his eventual marriage to both Leah and Rachel. Psalm 4.4-5 4 Be angry, and do not sin.Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.Selah 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,And put your trust in the LORD.
My observation of the aforementioned scriptures is that we should truly be a long suffering people. God clearly rewards patience and long suffering. In Genesis 29 Jacob is obviously done wrong. While it would have been easy for him to "go off" on his uncle, he rather took the high road. As a result of his taking such a course, he is rewarded openly and abundantly by God. Jacob, in my opinion lived out the scripture reference in Psalm 4 that I've noted above. I don't think it's possible, judging from what I know of Jacob's personality for him not to have been angry. He got angry and did not sin. On the contrary, he got angry and allowed God to be his avenger and again was rewarded openly and abundantly. He clearly trusted God more than himself.
I can apply this to my own life today and going forward in that I am a very emotional person who is all about seeing justice done. While I believe judgment to be swift, I recognize that justice crawls. I intend to prayerfully allow God to exact justice in my life when and I'm not treated fairly. I intend to put the whole of my trust in God and not self or others.
Lord, I thank you today for your new mercies that met me at dawn today. I thank you for your word, life, health and strength. Thanks Father for giving me a mind and heart that is set on You and Your pleasure. I ask today Lord that you would make me mindful of your intentions for me and my life today. I ask that you would help me to realize that You are the only faithful and truth in my life. O that I'd put the fullness of my trust in you. Endow me today with the power of Your Spirit to walk out the lessons you have spoken to my heart and mind today. Thank you in advance for the testimony of today. In the name of Jesus my Lord. Amen.
My observation of the aforementioned scriptures is that we should truly be a long suffering people. God clearly rewards patience and long suffering. In Genesis 29 Jacob is obviously done wrong. While it would have been easy for him to "go off" on his uncle, he rather took the high road. As a result of his taking such a course, he is rewarded openly and abundantly by God. Jacob, in my opinion lived out the scripture reference in Psalm 4 that I've noted above. I don't think it's possible, judging from what I know of Jacob's personality for him not to have been angry. He got angry and did not sin. On the contrary, he got angry and allowed God to be his avenger and again was rewarded openly and abundantly. He clearly trusted God more than himself.
I can apply this to my own life today and going forward in that I am a very emotional person who is all about seeing justice done. While I believe judgment to be swift, I recognize that justice crawls. I intend to prayerfully allow God to exact justice in my life when and I'm not treated fairly. I intend to put the whole of my trust in God and not self or others.
Lord, I thank you today for your new mercies that met me at dawn today. I thank you for your word, life, health and strength. Thanks Father for giving me a mind and heart that is set on You and Your pleasure. I ask today Lord that you would make me mindful of your intentions for me and my life today. I ask that you would help me to realize that You are the only faithful and truth in my life. O that I'd put the fullness of my trust in you. Endow me today with the power of Your Spirit to walk out the lessons you have spoken to my heart and mind today. Thank you in advance for the testimony of today. In the name of Jesus my Lord. Amen.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Soap For Today
Proverbs 14.14 (Message) says, "A mean person gets paid back in meanness, a gracious person in grace."
The observation that I make in this scripture is pay attention to how you are being treated. It may tell you something about how you are behaving. As a person that has been delivered from being "mean", I can say that I was hardly ever dealt with with much grace when I was a mean guy. I have since purposed in my heart to deal graciously and have seen the fruit of this scripture played out in my life.
Application - I will go out of my way today to being a gracious man. I will go out of my way to convey the grace of God which is driven by His love in my life.
Prayer - Father I thank you today for your word. I thank you today for your son Jesus and what he is perfecting in me till His coming again. I thank you for the many blessings that you have given to me freely. I love you and I worship you in all that I do today.
Lord, please enable me to do what is right in your sight. Enable me to operate in grace and truth today on every hand. Enable me to be who you have called me to be. I thank you today for divine appointments and opportunities to show Christ to someone today. Endow me with the power of your Spirit to be a witness for your sake. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
The observation that I make in this scripture is pay attention to how you are being treated. It may tell you something about how you are behaving. As a person that has been delivered from being "mean", I can say that I was hardly ever dealt with with much grace when I was a mean guy. I have since purposed in my heart to deal graciously and have seen the fruit of this scripture played out in my life.
Application - I will go out of my way today to being a gracious man. I will go out of my way to convey the grace of God which is driven by His love in my life.
Prayer - Father I thank you today for your word. I thank you today for your son Jesus and what he is perfecting in me till His coming again. I thank you for the many blessings that you have given to me freely. I love you and I worship you in all that I do today.
Lord, please enable me to do what is right in your sight. Enable me to operate in grace and truth today on every hand. Enable me to be who you have called me to be. I thank you today for divine appointments and opportunities to show Christ to someone today. Endow me with the power of your Spirit to be a witness for your sake. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
This Is How We Do It
Hello everyone! I am writing to today to those that have asked me or maybe someone else how to study the Bible. Over the years, I've been asked this question countless times. Most often by new believers, but not always. So please don't discount yourself if you've been a Christ follower for a period of time, but still need help in this area.
First things first. Congratulations on making a decision to want to know what God is saying to you through His word. You stand in the company of countless saints that wish to know Him more.
The word SOAP in this context is an acronym for the following: S = scripture. The first thing that you'll need to do to begin your study is to select scripture to read. This can be done by referencing a daily reading "guide". I.e. a "One Year Bible" can be obtained for a not so prohibitive price and is a good way to go through the entirety of the scriptures in a year's time. You can also find these types of resources online free of charge.
Once you've selected and read your scripture, you are ready for O. O= observation. You should take note of a particular passage or thought that spoke to you during your reading. Write down things like, what it means to you today or how refreshing or assuring, etc. this scripture is for you.
Next you will want A=application. This is very important. Writer down how you intend to apply the principles of what you've read and observed. In other words, write down how you will live out that scripture beginning today.
Lastly is the P. P= prayer. Needless to say prayer is essential to your spiritual growth. Remember that prayer can be as simple as a conversation between you and the Lord. I suggest that your prayer begin with thanksgiving and end with thanksgiving. You can thank Him for what He's revealed to you through His word today, and for life and health and strength; to help you with the application part of this process, and so forth.
I hope that this explanation has been helpful for you. To help you see what the process looks like, I will be posting on a daily basis my own personal SOAPs beginning tomorrow.
Keep the faith and wear the crown. See you tomorrow!
Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.
First things first. Congratulations on making a decision to want to know what God is saying to you through His word. You stand in the company of countless saints that wish to know Him more.
The word SOAP in this context is an acronym for the following: S = scripture. The first thing that you'll need to do to begin your study is to select scripture to read. This can be done by referencing a daily reading "guide". I.e. a "One Year Bible" can be obtained for a not so prohibitive price and is a good way to go through the entirety of the scriptures in a year's time. You can also find these types of resources online free of charge.
Once you've selected and read your scripture, you are ready for O. O= observation. You should take note of a particular passage or thought that spoke to you during your reading. Write down things like, what it means to you today or how refreshing or assuring, etc. this scripture is for you.
Next you will want A=application. This is very important. Writer down how you intend to apply the principles of what you've read and observed. In other words, write down how you will live out that scripture beginning today.
Lastly is the P. P= prayer. Needless to say prayer is essential to your spiritual growth. Remember that prayer can be as simple as a conversation between you and the Lord. I suggest that your prayer begin with thanksgiving and end with thanksgiving. You can thank Him for what He's revealed to you through His word today, and for life and health and strength; to help you with the application part of this process, and so forth.
I hope that this explanation has been helpful for you. To help you see what the process looks like, I will be posting on a daily basis my own personal SOAPs beginning tomorrow.
Keep the faith and wear the crown. See you tomorrow!
Peace is the presence of the goodness of God.
P. Jas.
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