S.O.A.P. 28 Day Challenge - February 16, 2021 Day #16 "My Greatest Ability - Availability"

S. Acts 24:24-26 (NIV)

24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.

O. Paul demonstrated faithfulness to God and integrity before others, as he shared about faith in Jesus. He did not try to bribe or sway the governor (Felix); rather, he offered Felix what Felix needed - The Gospel.

Sometimes it is easy to not share as we do not want to be offensive to people - or - we look for acceptance of others. We look after our own needs. But Paul sets the example in giving the governor what was needed - The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

A. I will continue to look for every opportunity to be available to share the Gospel of Christ with any and every person that are available to me - that is I will exercise through the power of the Holy Spirit my greatest ability I can offer - my “availability.”

P. Thank you father for this reminder and example of faithfully sharing your word. holy Spirit fill me and guide me to greater levels of availability - in Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 28 Day Challenge - February 16, 2021 Day #16 "The Immeasurable Love of God"

S. Leviticus 26:3-4 (NIV)

“If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops nd the trees their fruit.”

O. God promised great reward for Israel if they followed and obeyed Him. The blessings were not just spiritual blessings but physical blessings as well. Israel would the the favored nation (v.9). The blessings or reward for obedience continued to be described over the next 13 verses.

However, from verses 14-39, God describes the punishment for disobedience. The chapter closes out with God keeping the door of his blessing open because of His great love and forgiveness.

A. God longs for His people (whether it’s Israel or the Church) to follow and obey Him. He desires to show favor and blessing upon His people. However, He is a just God (Habakkuk 1:13) and cannot let sin go unpunished. However, His love, grace and mercy are wide open for when I (and his people) do fail.

P. Thank you Father for your great love. Your love today is amazing and unmeasurable. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to greater levels of obedience that I might enjoy the Father’s blessing even more so. In Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 28 Day Challenge - February 15, 2021 Day #15 "The Tussle Toward Integrity"

S. Psalm 26:1-2 (NIV)

Vindicate me, Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered.
2 Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;

O. David desires the Lord to test, try and examine him though he has lived a blameless life, he has not lived a sinless life. (Ps. 25:11). David prays for the Lord to forgive his great iniquity.

David serves as an example of godly living. He is called “a man after God’s own heart.” Though such a godly man, David had a “tussle” in being the blameless man before God. He knew had not lived a sinless life and desires to be truly blameless before God. He asks God then to test him, try him and examine his heart and mind. Despite his failures, he so desired to serve God with a whole heart.

A. I hope we can all relate to David in understanding that we are not without sin, yet seek a “blameless” life. How? By asking God to test, try and examine our hearts and minds.

P. Thank you Father for word today. Holy Spirit I desire to be a man of integrity, serving God with a whole heart. Test me, try me, examine me, fill me and lead me to be such a man. A man of wholeness- blameless before God. I pray this also for my friends. In Jesus’ name.