S.O.A.P. 28 Day Challenge - February 2, 2021 Day #2 Barnabas and the Ministry of Connections

S. Acts 9:26-27 (NIV)

26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.

O. Barnabas is known as the “encourager.” His name means “Son of Consolation.” This is the first instance of Barnabas advocating for Saul (later named Paul) and not the last time.

Sometimes in life we need someone to advocate on our behalf - someone who will speak well of us. Barnabas did this for Saul which then served as an impetus for Saul’s ministry. Barnabas was a natural at connecting people so they could fulfill God’s greater plan for their lives.

A. I desire to be such a man of encouragement. I will continue to look for ways to encourage and connect people to and for the Lord Jesus.

P. Thank you Father for the testimony of Barnabas. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to think the best of others, to advocate for others and to help connect people so they can serve Jesus in greater ways. In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 28 Day Challenge - February 1, 2021 Day #1 Failed vs faithful leadership

S. Exodus 32:24, 31-32 (NIV)

“…So I (Aaron) told them whoever has any gold jewelry, take it off. Then they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf……

V. 31-32 “so Moses went back to the Lord and said, oh what a great sin the people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. But now, please forgive their sin - but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.”

O. I see a strong contrast of leadership - FAILED VS FAITHFUL. AARON failed to lead. He claimed no responsibility and actually led the people into idolatry. MOSES faithfully leads. He accepts the responsibility though he was not part of it. He puts his life on the line and on behalf of others.

A. I desire to be a FAITHFUL leader. One who has the integrity, the fortitude and most of all the FAITH to lead by example, take the blame even when it’s not right, shine with integrity and have a willingness to step in on behalf of others with my own life. That’s GODLY FAITH! That’s what I desire!

P. Thank you Father for this word today. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to new levels, to greater levels of FAITHFUL leadership. Grant me boldness to lead by example, to show great integrity in the critical moments and be willing to lay my life on the line for others. I ask this in Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 28 Day Challenge - Sample January 28, 2021

S. Acts 4:29-31

29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

O. Peter and John prayed on behalf of the rest that God would grant them boldness in speaking to those who might threaten them. They further asked for enablement to perform signs and wonders in Jesus name.

God answered by physically shaking the place and through the filling of the Holy Spirit they received such enablement.

A. I will continue to pray each day for such enablement of the Holy Spirit. I desire my life to be available to share boldly and allow God to work His miraculous power through me.

P. Thank you Father that you are willing to use people (dedicated and available) to work your majestic power. Holy Spirit fill me and lead me to such boldness and opportunity to share your Word with others. In Jesus’ name.