Acts 21.13 - Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
What a declaration. One that we don't often hear echoed in our society. One that we should hear echoed all of the time as it is the very nature of Christ and a huge chunk of what it means to be a Christ follower. This statement made Paul a martyr long before he was killed for the cause of Christ.
I can apply this to my life today by allowing myself again to die to myself. Truly to live is Christ and to die is gain. IF I believe that martyrdom is no threat. If I believe that, I can please God without fearing man.
Lord, I thank You for blessing me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. I thank You that I need to fear no man. I thank You that my very life is in Your hands and that no man can snatch it from You. I like Paul am a martyr in that my life is hidden in You. I like Paul am a martyr in that I have died that You may live through me. Help me Lord to walk this out, all of the days of my life. Lord I believe, help my unbelief. In Jesus' name.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
SOAP For Today 25 Feb 2009
The scripture that I was most focused on today was Acts 20.26 - Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.
What I keep hearing in my mind is a question. The question is, am I innocent? Have I done all that I know to do and said all that I know to say to save those that would hear me; have I helped to save those that would observe me from the torments of hell for eternity?
I can apply these thoughts in the here and now by simply (not really) being who I am at all times. Wearing the crown intentionally at all times.
Lord, I want to thank You for Your confidence in me. I thank You for the revelation that I not only believe in You, but You also believe in me. You believe that I can be a King's kid all of the time and because I know that You believe it, I believe it. Please help me by Your Spirit to walk this out. In Jesus' Name
What I keep hearing in my mind is a question. The question is, am I innocent? Have I done all that I know to do and said all that I know to say to save those that would hear me; have I helped to save those that would observe me from the torments of hell for eternity?
I can apply these thoughts in the here and now by simply (not really) being who I am at all times. Wearing the crown intentionally at all times.
Lord, I want to thank You for Your confidence in me. I thank You for the revelation that I not only believe in You, but You also believe in me. You believe that I can be a King's kid all of the time and because I know that You believe it, I believe it. Please help me by Your Spirit to walk this out. In Jesus' Name
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
SOAP For Today 24 Feb 2009
OK. I've made up my mind. I will venture to share my SOAP 4 times per week. The days I'll try to hit are M-H. Anything else will be as time permits.
That being said, today my focus scripture was found in Acts 19.26 - And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all.
The apostle Paul had actually been accused by the people of his day of converting the greater part of Asia. He by the Spirit of God had convinced a great many to turn from worshipping idols and gods that were created by creation, to turn from their practices and serve and worship the living God.
How I wish we in the western church at large would get a hold of this concept. How I wish that the view of this scripture would be on our radar. This is after all the personification of when Jesus said to "go ye therefore...". This is Paul acting out the mission to go and make disciples of men.
To apply this to my life today I must simply allow my light to shine before men as I never have before. My light needs to be brighter and brighter as the days go by. I cannot and will not hide it, because it is not only something that I posses, it is who I am.
Father, I love You. Thank You for all that You have spoken to me and through me today. Thank You for re-igniting the fire and urgency that You have given to me to be who You said I am. Endow me today Lord to go out and live like You are coming again. Endow me Lord to walk in the light as You are in the light and to show Your glory to those You lead me to. I pray and intercede today for lost ones. I ask that you would place in my path divine appointments that are in need of both a planting and a reaping. Have Your way in me today and everyday. Lord I believe. Help my unbelief. In Jesus' name.
That being said, today my focus scripture was found in Acts 19.26 - And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all.
The apostle Paul had actually been accused by the people of his day of converting the greater part of Asia. He by the Spirit of God had convinced a great many to turn from worshipping idols and gods that were created by creation, to turn from their practices and serve and worship the living God.
How I wish we in the western church at large would get a hold of this concept. How I wish that the view of this scripture would be on our radar. This is after all the personification of when Jesus said to "go ye therefore...". This is Paul acting out the mission to go and make disciples of men.
To apply this to my life today I must simply allow my light to shine before men as I never have before. My light needs to be brighter and brighter as the days go by. I cannot and will not hide it, because it is not only something that I posses, it is who I am.
Father, I love You. Thank You for all that You have spoken to me and through me today. Thank You for re-igniting the fire and urgency that You have given to me to be who You said I am. Endow me today Lord to go out and live like You are coming again. Endow me Lord to walk in the light as You are in the light and to show Your glory to those You lead me to. I pray and intercede today for lost ones. I ask that you would place in my path divine appointments that are in need of both a planting and a reaping. Have Your way in me today and everyday. Lord I believe. Help my unbelief. In Jesus' name.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
SOAP For Today 18 Feb 2009
Click this link for today's reading selection
Today I have focussed on Acts 14.27 - (NIV) - On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
I just think it is to be noted that Paul and Barnabas needed to gather the church together. This is important because we so often think of the church as a building that we gather in for "services". I hope that our collective minds can seriously get out of the idea that the church is something that we attend for meetings and realize that we are the church.
I spoke with one of my students a couple of days ago that missed "church" on Sunday. She explained to me what she was doing instead. I was delighted to find that she was indeed in attendance in spirit as her day produced more fruit for the kingdom than was evident at our "service". She was not at the meeting, but was incredibly busy "being" the church.
Needless to say I can apply this thought to my life on a daily basis by simply doing what Christ has commanded (you know, go ye therefore...).
Father, I bless You for who You are today. You are the Great I Am. Thank You Lord for being with me today in all that I say and do. That the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart would be acceptable to You today. I desire to be who You have called me to be. I desire to be the church and not just a person who goes to church. I desire to walk in the light, not just being one who has seen the light and denied it's transforming power. Help me Lord. I believe. Help my unbelief. Grant me today divine appointments. Appointments and encounters that will make a difference. Truly if I can help somebody, than my living will not be in vain. Bless you Lord. I ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.
Today I have focussed on Acts 14.27 - (NIV) - On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
I just think it is to be noted that Paul and Barnabas needed to gather the church together. This is important because we so often think of the church as a building that we gather in for "services". I hope that our collective minds can seriously get out of the idea that the church is something that we attend for meetings and realize that we are the church.
I spoke with one of my students a couple of days ago that missed "church" on Sunday. She explained to me what she was doing instead. I was delighted to find that she was indeed in attendance in spirit as her day produced more fruit for the kingdom than was evident at our "service". She was not at the meeting, but was incredibly busy "being" the church.
Needless to say I can apply this thought to my life on a daily basis by simply doing what Christ has commanded (you know, go ye therefore...).
Father, I bless You for who You are today. You are the Great I Am. Thank You Lord for being with me today in all that I say and do. That the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart would be acceptable to You today. I desire to be who You have called me to be. I desire to be the church and not just a person who goes to church. I desire to walk in the light, not just being one who has seen the light and denied it's transforming power. Help me Lord. I believe. Help my unbelief. Grant me today divine appointments. Appointments and encounters that will make a difference. Truly if I can help somebody, than my living will not be in vain. Bless you Lord. I ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
SOAP for Today 17 Feb 2009
click this link for today's reading
Tehillim (Psalms) 16.11 - You make me know the path of life; in your presence is unbounded joy, in your right hand eternal delight.
If we want to know the path to walk for our lives, then we need to get into the presence of the Lord. Why do we look elsewhere so often for our "purpose"? Whether it be a system, a person, or whatever, it is the wrong place. You will never know why until you get in His face. You will at best have a sense of what you need to do. I gather from this scripture that if I want to know that I know that I know that I know that, I'd best be in His presence. He has all of the answers and He doesn't give them to us on account of us wanting to know. There is a way to find those answers we seek, and David spells it out for us right here. The mystery is gone, "You make me know the path of life; in your presence..." How much more simple could it be?
I can apply this word in my life today by efforting to remain in His presence as long as I can...with all that I am on a daily basis. When I fall short, I'll get back up, dust off and go for it again.
Lord, thank You for this timeless wisdom being imparted to me today with fresh ears that you have given me to hear. Thank You for yet another key to living in Your kingdom, Your way. Father, help me to do what my heart is pulling me toward. Help me to practice Your presence at all times, that I too may know the path of life. In Jesus' name. Glory to your name!
Wow. That was really cool! I feel refreshed. I hope you got as much out of your soap today. See you later. Keep the faith and wear the crown.
Tehillim (Psalms) 16.11 - You make me know the path of life; in your presence is unbounded joy, in your right hand eternal delight.
If we want to know the path to walk for our lives, then we need to get into the presence of the Lord. Why do we look elsewhere so often for our "purpose"? Whether it be a system, a person, or whatever, it is the wrong place. You will never know why until you get in His face. You will at best have a sense of what you need to do. I gather from this scripture that if I want to know that I know that I know that I know that, I'd best be in His presence. He has all of the answers and He doesn't give them to us on account of us wanting to know. There is a way to find those answers we seek, and David spells it out for us right here. The mystery is gone, "You make me know the path of life; in your presence..." How much more simple could it be?
I can apply this word in my life today by efforting to remain in His presence as long as I can...with all that I am on a daily basis. When I fall short, I'll get back up, dust off and go for it again.
Lord, thank You for this timeless wisdom being imparted to me today with fresh ears that you have given me to hear. Thank You for yet another key to living in Your kingdom, Your way. Father, help me to do what my heart is pulling me toward. Help me to practice Your presence at all times, that I too may know the path of life. In Jesus' name. Glory to your name!
Wow. That was really cool! I feel refreshed. I hope you got as much out of your soap today. See you later. Keep the faith and wear the crown.
Monday, February 16, 2009
SOAP For Today 16 Feb 2009
Well it has been two weeks since I shared my soap online. I have been very active elsewhere and had to cut something out. Sorry, the soap was the least substantial activity. That along with the purpose is to show you how easy it is to not only read the Word every day, but also to hear God speak to you during that time. At any rate, I'm back and my soaps will be once again published with frequency.
My soap for today...
Proverbs 3.3-4 - 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;Bind them around your neck,Write them on the tablet of your heart, 4 And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.
I've heard over the years verse 4 here taken out of context. Prayer after prayer of reminding God that he promised favor with God and man. I for one must recognize that the blessing of favor in reference to this scripture is hinged upon the previous saying in verse 3. "Let not mercy and truth forsake you, bind them around your neck and write them on your heart."
Let's not put the cart before the horse. We need to meditate on the Word. We need to lay hold of the truth of the Word as if our very lives depend upon it (which they do).
The application for this thought is really very simple. Get into the Word, James. Study and write the truth of the Word on the frontlets of my eyes and the tablet of my heart.
Father, I thank You for Your testimony. I thank You that You freely give to me the treasure of your vast wisdom and favor. Lord You have truly given to me all things that pertain to life and Godliness. Bless You Father. Lord, help me today and evermore to walk in the light of the knowledge and wisdom that You've made manifest to me. Help me by the power of Your Holy Spirit to be who You say that I am. Help me to stay on that narrow path and to stay clear of fools and their foolishness. Keep me in Your care and in Your arms long as I draw breath. In Jesus' name.
My soap for today...
Proverbs 3.3-4 - 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;Bind them around your neck,Write them on the tablet of your heart, 4 And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.
I've heard over the years verse 4 here taken out of context. Prayer after prayer of reminding God that he promised favor with God and man. I for one must recognize that the blessing of favor in reference to this scripture is hinged upon the previous saying in verse 3. "Let not mercy and truth forsake you, bind them around your neck and write them on your heart."
Let's not put the cart before the horse. We need to meditate on the Word. We need to lay hold of the truth of the Word as if our very lives depend upon it (which they do).
The application for this thought is really very simple. Get into the Word, James. Study and write the truth of the Word on the frontlets of my eyes and the tablet of my heart.
Father, I thank You for Your testimony. I thank You that You freely give to me the treasure of your vast wisdom and favor. Lord You have truly given to me all things that pertain to life and Godliness. Bless You Father. Lord, help me today and evermore to walk in the light of the knowledge and wisdom that You've made manifest to me. Help me by the power of Your Holy Spirit to be who You say that I am. Help me to stay on that narrow path and to stay clear of fools and their foolishness. Keep me in Your care and in Your arms long as I draw breath. In Jesus' name.
Monday, February 2, 2009
SOAP For Today 2 February 2009
Click this link for today's reading
Exodus 13.1-2 - Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine.
Just a simple reminder that the earth is the Lord's and all that is in it. I belong to Him, and all that I have is His as well. I am nothing without Him, I have nothing that is not His.
Today and everyday, I can live as if this is true. I can be a living and willing sacrifice in every way. I can be inconvenienced with His business, and for His possession.
Father, thank You for the new mercies that woke me this morning. Thank You for life, health and strength. Thank You for a mind that is being renewed and refreshed by Your word and counsel. Lord, assist me and lead me today to do as I've said here which is my hearts desire. Guide me and lead me to get out of the way and into Your way. I ask that you remove everything in me that is not like you. Lord I believe, help my unbelief. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Exodus 13.1-2 - Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 "Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine.
Just a simple reminder that the earth is the Lord's and all that is in it. I belong to Him, and all that I have is His as well. I am nothing without Him, I have nothing that is not His.
Today and everyday, I can live as if this is true. I can be a living and willing sacrifice in every way. I can be inconvenienced with His business, and for His possession.
Father, thank You for the new mercies that woke me this morning. Thank You for life, health and strength. Thank You for a mind that is being renewed and refreshed by Your word and counsel. Lord, assist me and lead me today to do as I've said here which is my hearts desire. Guide me and lead me to get out of the way and into Your way. I ask that you remove everything in me that is not like you. Lord I believe, help my unbelief. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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