S.O.A.P. 28 Day Challenge - February 23, 2021 Day #23 "The Exploration & Experience of Our Faith"

S. Numbers 13:1 (NIV)

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘ Send some men to explore this land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each ancestral tribe, send one of its leaders.”

O. God had promised the land to Israel. It seems to me God could have let Moses know what the land was like and who lived on it. However, God allowed them to explore and experience the land for themselves. This would then offer the opportunity for the people to increase their faith and dependence upon God. Sadly, most of the men saw only obstacles and were afraid of such a venture. Only Caleb and Joshua remained confident in what God could do.

A. God allows us experience in life that tests our faith and our dependence upon Him. I know when I have allowed fear to take over, I often live then with unfulfilled expectations and at times I find myself battling a spirit of regret.

However, at other times I have prayed through the obstacles knowing my calling and gifting. During those times God has increased or “emboldened” my faith - no regrets - just fulfillment with wonder and awe.

P. Thank you Father that you allow us exploration and experiences in life. Holy Spirt fill me and guide me to bold moves - trusting the Father ever more for His provision, protection, supply and blessing. I pray for my faith to increase and that God will be glorified because I stepped out believing Him for His promises. In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 28 Day Challenge - February 22, 2021 Day #22 "The Best Storm Shelter"

S. Psalm 27:4-5 (NIV)

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

O. In light of all the world’s troubles, David’s only desire was to “dwell” in the house of the Lord. This Psalm conjures up for me the picture of protection, safety and solid footing, all things we need. These are found when we stay closely connected to the Lord. He is the best shelter for any storm.

A. We live in a world that is physically beautiful and glorifies God - yet there is a “world” system which is created and maintained by sinful fallen creatures that brings trouble. What a joy it is to see the beauty of creation that reflects the glory of God and to be in close connection with the Lord, safe from the troubles of that fallen world system. Not that troubles won’t come around us, but they not overtake us. They need not harm us if we will “dwell” in the house of the Lord.

P. Thank you Father for being the ultimate shelter against the storms of life. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to deeper levels of intimacy with the Father and continued protection from the storms of life. In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 28 Day Challenge - February 21, 2021 Day #21 "If It Doesn't Fit Don't Force It."

S. Numbers 9:23 (NIV)

“At the Lord’s command they encamped, and at the Lord’s command they set out. They obeyed the Lord’s order, in accordance with His command through Moses.”

O. The people of Israel moved when God instructed them to and they stopped and camped when the Lord commanded them. They listened to the voice of God and followed His presence.

We should learn from this that it is in God’s presence that distinguishes us as God’s people (Exodus 33:14-16). The season of the culture, our financial condition or our personal and family situations should not dictate when we serve the Lord; rather, it is listening to His voice and presence.

A. I will continue to make every attempt to listen to God’s voice and to follow Him when He says “go” and to pause and be still when He says “stop.” I will continue to seek His blessing and try to not “force my way” into service, remembering and old adage, “If it don’t fit, don’t force it.”

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me. Grant me wisdom through listening to the Father’s voice of when to move and when to be still."