S.O.A.P. 28 Day Challenge - February 20, 2021 Day #20 "Protection & Support In Dark Days"

S. Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me… your rod and staff they comfort me…”

O. David describes such comfort and protection with God leading him. He describes times that he (and I’m sure most of us) must walk through the vary dark times and experiences - yet he finds God’s comfort in His presence and the shepherd’s rod and staff (protection and support)

A. David remained connected closely to the Lord. I will continue to trust the Holy Spirit to guide me and keep me close to the father. I am thankful for the protection and support of God’s word and the Holy Spirit - in which I will continue to keep my mind and spirit occupied with.

P. Thank you Father for this Psalm that is known by so many people. Thank you for being the Great Shepherd who walks with us and protects us. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to daily read the Word of God. Illumine my mind and refresh my soul with His word in which I also realize His protection and support. In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 28 Day Challenge - February 19, 2021 Day #19 "The Christian Testimony"

S. Acts 26:13-15 (actually read the entire chapter) - NIV

3 About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic,[a] ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

15 “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’

“ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied.

O. This passage in Acts 26 always reminds me of what the effective format of a person’s Christian testimony should look like. Paul shared his past (finding common ground with listeners), then shared the pivotal moment (hearing and receiving Jesus), followed his current life (What Jesus is doing in his life now).

A. I will continue to look for ways to share my testimony - past, pivotal event and present, to reach as many people for Jesus.

P. Thank you Father for this word today, for Paul’s example and testimony. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to seek and share opportunities about my faith in Jesus with others.

S.O.A.P. 28 Day Challenge - February 18, 2021 Day #18 "Respect for the Rule of Law"

S. Acts 25:11 (NIV)

If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”

O. Paul upheld the rule of law. He would not subject himself to a “kangaroo” court. He was willing to be tried within the legal framework and he was willing to accept the consequences (although he so much believed and knew that he was on the right side of the law).

An additional thought about Paul and having respect for the rule of law. I have often thought that this is also a very good passage to defend capital punishment. Paul had said that if he had done anything worthy of death, he refused not to die; i.e., he would subject himself to the law.

A. As believers we should serve Christ with such zeal and integrity. We should not give in to the opposition and we should obey the rule of law. We should be living such godly examples that the enemy cannot find fault with our Christian witness and testimony.

P. Thank you Father for this word today. Thank you for Paul’s example of integrity when his adversaries tried to find fault with him. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to a life of such integrity and consistency before you. In Jesus’ name!