Category Archives: SOAP
SOAP
Living Passionately
Reading: Jeremiah 8:4 – 9:26
Scripture
This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD. Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV)
Observations
More than anything God wants us to know him and understand him. To know him means also to know what pleases him. Here God spells out three things that please him: kindness, justice and righteousness, “… for in these I delight.” The people of Jeremiah's day would have known this, but what they knew differed from what they valued, as revealed by their actions.
What determines a person's values? In this passage, God implies that if we can but know him and understand him, our values will begin to line up with his.
Application
Values could be defined as those things that I hold as valuable, things that delight me and in which I take great pleasure. The more pleasure something brings me, or that I believe will bring me in time, the more time and energy I will likely invest in it, and the more I'll be prepared to spend or sacrifice to obtain and safeguard that thing.
I suspect that some of the things I believe to be important and good have yet to become true values for me. I'd like them to be, but my actions betray me. The passions that motivate and delight my God have yet to fully grip my own heart. But that, more than anything, is what I want – to delight consistently in the Lord, and to live a life impassioned by those values that delight and impassion him.
Prayer
Lord God, the only way for me to really understand you and know you deeply is for you to open your heart to me. Thank you that you are changing me from the inside out. Lord, those things you hold dear, I want to hold dear. Once again, I open my heart to you, and invite you to have free reign in me, that I might live a life passionately devoted to you.
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
Fruit of a Life Well Spent
Wilfred Dodge 1927-2012
Reading: Galatians 5:16-26
Scripture
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
Observations
Fruit doesn't appear instantly like gifts do. It grows. Most fruit starts out as a bud which soon opens into a pretty flower. The flower is only temporary though, and once pollinated, its petals fall and its base begins to swell and grow until eventually it becomes a fully grown fruit. Even then the fruit has to ripen before it is perfect and ready to consume.
The work of the Holy Spirit in my life is the same. The fruit is really his fruit, but I get to bear it and thereby share in the blessing of that fruit. This requires my full cooperation, and a willingness to submit to the Spirit and join with him in his work. Much fruit may be born along the way as I walk with him, but the choicest fruit will be that which has had a lifetime to mature and ripen, perfected perhaps by suffering, and ultimately bringing glory to God through Jesus whose perfect sacrifice made it all possible.
Application
My father died this week at the age of 85. As a boy he committed his life to Jesus, and he loved and served God unswervingly all his life. Every year when I was growing up, he used to buy boxes and boxes of fresh fruit in season – apricots, plums, peaches, pears, nectarines and more. When the fruit was ripe to perfection, he would preserve it in big jars and fill our cupboards with fruit for the year ahead.
On reflection, it seems to me that his life too was characterised by fruit, of two types. The first was fruit born by him as he faithfully used his gifts and his time to serve and bless others in all sorts of ways. The second was fruit born in him, those 'character' fruit described in Galatians 5:22 which over the course of his life developed and matured, and were finally ripened to near perfection.
Perhaps the two types of fruit are one and the same, with the former being simply the natural expression of the latter. Both are evidence of a life well spent – a life committed to Jesus and yielded to the Spirit – and the fruit of his life will be enjoyed forever.
Prayer
Thank you Lord Jesus for the kindness and love that you have shown to my family. I thank you for the life of my father, and for the legacy that he has passed down to his children. May good fruit continue to fill our cupboards and overflow in expressions of thankfulness and praise to you.
Supernatural Encounters with God
Reading: John 2:1-11
Scripture
This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him. John 2:11 (NIV)
Observations
Miracles open the way to faith in those whose hearts are open to the things of God. Jesus' disciples had already decided to follow him, but it was early in the piece, and they were still watching him, formulating their views about him. Their faith was in its infancy, but this miracle at the wedding in Cana sure had an impact.
Of course, miracles by themselves don't guarantee faith, as evidenced by the reaction of the Pharisees to Jesus' miracles. But the “supernatural” sure opens doors, especially when God's love and kindness is revealed through it.
Application
I can't expect to make an eternally lasting impact in the lives of others simply through my own efforts. It is God who brings true transformation to our lives, and I need to be always open to the possibility of God doing his supernatural work through me. I need to be constantly asking, “What are you wanting to do here, Lord?” And then acting on the prompting that the Spirit gives me, no matter how silly it might seem. Jesus reveals how this works:
Jesus gave them this answer: “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” John 5:19
Just as Jesus did what he saw his Father doing, I need to be alert, obedient to the Spirit, and open to what God is wanting to do.
Prayer
Father God, please open my eyes to what you are wanting to do in the situations I find myself in. “Your kingdom come on earth…” I offer myself to you, to be your agent in the world where I live. Holy Spirit, grant me faith and courage to act on your promptings, that I might be ready and available to usher people into a life-changing encounter with you.
Serving with Devotion
Reading: Ephesians 6:5-9
Scripture
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favour when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Ephesians 6:5-9a (NIV)
Observations
My attitude toward serving is important. I can't claim to be serving God wholeheartedly unless I am serving others with that very same attitude of heart. Whether we're talking about employer or employee, family or friends, people in the community or people in the church, my attitude is to be one of devotion.
Devotion: Love, loyalty or enthusiasm for a person, activity or cause.
Application
Serving wholeheartedly as if I were serving the Lord leaves no room for showing favouritism. It would be like saying, “Lord, I love you when I'm serving this person but not when I'm serving that person.” That's just not an option. Instead, every opportunity to serve is for me an opportunity to serve God. In fact, serving wholeheartedly those who I'd rather not serve is an opportunity to express my devotion to God all the more – my love, loyalty and enthusiasm for him and his purpose.
Prayer
Lord God, let your grace flow! As I serve others, let your grace flow to me and through me. In my own strength, I don't have what it takes, but your love is “wide and long and high and deep.” Please fill me with that love and help me to serve with love and devotion.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19 (NIV)
God’s Work in Me
Reading: Joshua 1
Scripture
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8 (NIV)
Observations
Joshua was about to lead several million people into a land that God had promised to his ancestors hundreds of years earlier. After all this time, he was the one to realise the promise. This would require military leadership as well as civil governance responsibilities.
Joshua had done his apprenticeship under Moses for 40 years or so. He knew what it was to be in God's presence, having spent much time with God in the Tent of Meeting. Yet now, prosperity and success depended on this one thing – that his mind and his heart be so filled with the Book of the Law that he would unswervingly live by God's Word. He was to think it, speak it, and live by it.
Application
The same applies to me, yet so much differently because of God's promise which is now fulfilled: “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Jeremiah 31:33 No longer must I try my hardest to internalise his Word, hoping thereby to obey it and somehow reach his required standard. Instead, God's Word is already within me, written on my heart, and his Spirit is now helping me to externalise or live out that Word.
The pressure now comes right off, because God himself is doing this work in me. “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11. Now as I read God's Word, I am transformed by it because the Spirit is doing this work in me. Now as I 'marinate' in the words of the Word, it's flavour can soak right through me. In effect, the Word is being fulfilled in my life, not because of my own efforts, but because God is doing it. Mine is simply to submit myself into his hands, cooperating with him and trusting him for everything.
Prayer
God, you are so good. Thank you for your precious Word. Thank you for opening your heart to me so that I can know you and enjoy your promises. And thank you Jesus for your sacrifice that has made all this possible. Holy Spirit, have you way in me now, and may all your plans and purposes for me be fulfilled.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Tuning In With God
Reading: Mark 13
Scripture
“Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ” Mark 13:35-37 (NIV)
Observations
Jesus is clearly concerned that some of us who have committed out lives to him will somehow be lost because we have “gone to sleep”. Even Jesus doesn't know the exact time of his return, but his warning suggests it could catch us by surprise if we are not watching.
Application
There is a certain amount of self discipline I require to maintain my relationship with Jesus. I need the Holy Spirit to help me, but I need to consciously “tune in” with him as often as I can think of it.
Daniel had a habit of tuning in with God three times every day. “Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God.” Daniel 6:10 I like this idea. I'm sure Daniel tuned in more often than three times a day, but by making these three times a part of his daily routine he safeguarded himself from “going to sleep” in his faith and remained alert, ready and available to serve his God.
How can I make purposeful “tuning in with God” a greater part of my daily routine? I already enjoy my morning 'snooze time' conversation with God before I get up. Perhaps I could tune in again when I clean my teeth, then with a 5-10 minute lunchtime walk, and in the evening with my “sneaking off with God” time. A short prayer template might be helpful to remind me to give thanks, to listen to God and to ask him for what I need.
Prayer
Jesus, I want to be ready and available to you every moment of the day and night. I know I sometimes get lost in my own thoughts, and might at times be oblivious to your Spirit prompting me, so please help me Holy Spirit to tune in. I want to truly know what it means to “Be joyful always, to pray continually, and to give thanks in all circumstances, knowing that this is (your) will for me in Christ Jesus.” (from 1Thess 5:16-18)
Eating at the King’s Table
Reading: Isaiah 54 – 55
Scripture
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Isaiah 55:1 (NIV)
Observations
This chapter contains the special offer of a lifetime, an invitation directly from God to us to come to Him and be satisfied, at no cost to ourselves. The generosity of the invitation is unquestionable. We can enjoy God's faithful love, and our souls the richest of fare. All we need do is turn from our sinful ways and our selfish thoughts and turn to the LORD, and he will freely pardon. The outcome of this will be joy.
This requires a new way of thinking. We come to a generous and good God who has purposed in his heart to show us His grace, and his plans will surely come to fruition.
Application
Just as thirst and hunger are things I experience every day, and satisfy with water and food, I can expect to feel spiritual hunger and thirst often. This is normal. How amazing that God invites me daily to come to his dining room, to eat at the king's table, and there satisfy my hunger and quench my thirst. But what does this mean in practice?
To come, to seek, to listen, to give ear, to forsake old ways and turn to God, to draw near expectantly, to dig into his Word, to reach out to him. It's up to me to “eat what is good, and my soul will delight in the richest of fare.” Isaiah 55:2
Prayer
I am so privileged Lord to be invited to your table. May nothing else satisfy my hunger and thirst. I most gratefully accept your generous invitation. May your thoughts become my thoughts, and your Word truly accomplish what you desire my life and achieve the purpose for which you sent it.
The Ultimate in Designer Clothing
Reading: Exodus 39:1-32
Scripture
The craftsmen made beautiful sacred garments of blue, purple, and scarlet cloth—clothing for Aaron to wear while ministering in the Holy Place, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Exodus 39:1 (NLT)
Observations
Nothing unholy can stand in the presence of our holy God. In order to serve in God's presence, Aaron needed to be made holy; “sanctified” or set apart for holy service. Sacrifices needed to be made on his behalf. Not only that, Aaron's garments needed to be made holy by the appropriate ceremony and sacrifice. In keeping with that need for holiness, the garments were crafted from the finest fabric, colourful and richly adorned to reflect the beauty that holiness brings.
Application
I too need to be adorned in holiness if am to enter the presence of my holy God. My old clothes are spoiled by sin and shame. Fortunately, I have some new ones! I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness. Isaiah 61:10
My new clothes come to me at great price. For Jesus, who bought them for me, was stripped of his at the cross, his garments of holiness replaced by my filthy rags in the sight of both God and man, so that I might be dressed and ready to be welcomed into the very presence of God.
I find it interesting that although his seamless “woven in one piece” undergarment was stripped from him, it was considered too valuable to be cut in pieces: “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” John 19:24a In the same way, Jesus' own holiness was not blemished or tainted at the cross. Rather, it became a precious gift, one that has somehow made its way into my hands, and into the hands of all who would humble themselves to receive it.
Prayer
Thank you Jesus for your incredible gift of holiness, for these precious clothes which now adorn me and qualify me to come into the presence of God my Father. Help me Jesus to wear them as they should be worn, to live in holiness and to carry myself in such a way that the giver of that holiness is recognised, praised and acknowledged as the source of everything that is holy and good.
No Worries! (Dispelling Darkness with Light)
Reading: Psalms 94 – 99; Philippians 4:4-8
Scripture
Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Psalm 94:17-20 (NIV)
Observations
God is my help. Whenever I get that uncomfortable feeling that things in my life are getting out of control, that the weight of my responsibilities is too much to bear, it is God who supports me. His love is never overwhelmed. If I can just be filled to the measure with that love, there simply won't be room for anxiety. Paul gives some great advice on how to do this in Philippians 4:
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:4-9 (NLT)
Application
My heart and my mind are like rooms which can be filled with either darkness or light. Pressures and worries bring darkness. The solution? Add light, and the darkness will be dispelled! How can I add light?
- I can be joyful! This means focusing on and celebrating the good.
- I can pray about everything and talk to God about what I need.
- I can be thankful! Once again, this means focusing on the good.
- I can consciously fill my mind with good stuff, and not allow lies or negativity a look in. Chewing on God's Word is a great way to do this.
Prayer
What a helpful book your Word is, Lord! Thank you for your love. Please help me to fill my mind with what is true and good, to always be thankful and to live a life characterised by joy.
Meant for His Presence
Reading: Jeremiah 5:1 – 8:3
Scripture
While you were doing all these things, declares the Lord, I spoke to you again and again, but you did not listen; I called you, but you did not answer. Therefore, what I did to Shiloh I will now do to the house that bears my Name, the temple you trust in, the place I gave to you and your fathers. I will thrust you from my presence, just as I did all your brothers, the people of Ephraim.’ Jeremiah 7:13-15 (NIV)
Observations
God always meant for us to be in His presence. He meant to speak to us and have us listen. He meant to call to us and have us answer. He meant to commune with us, enjoying our closeness as we enjoyed his. God knew that we would reject him and instead pursue things that are futile. Yet ultimately, his pleasure was to show us the depths of his love and grace by wooing us back to himself through Jesus. His was and is the ultimate act of love.
Application
From the beginning of his Word to the end, God reveals his desire for closeness with me. To draw near to God is a conscious intentional action. It includes setting time aside to seek him and to listen. “Lord, what do you want to say to me today? What do you want me to know?” God has given me choice, and the opportunity to truly know his presence. I seek it with all my heart.
Prayer
Father, I thank you for your presence. I choose to draw near to you. I gladly open my ears and my heart to you. Lord, I am listening. May I be a “house that bears your Name”, and may I always bring pleasure to you as I enjoy the riches of your kindness and grace.
Sneaking Off With God... 