S.O.A.P. 15 Day Challenge Day #6 "Finding Freedom" - James 5:16 (NIV)

S. James 5:16 (NIV) “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

O. There is a lot of content in this short section (5:13-18). For troubles, we are to pray. For happy times, we are to sing praises. For sickness, we are to call the elders to pray and apply oil in the name of the Lord, that healing may occur. V. 16 continues to describe the need to come together, confess sins and pray for one another for healing (physical, emotional, relational and spiritual).

I find it amazing how prayer and confession with one another can produce tremendous healing power - and that healing power might not always be the same. At times people experience healing that is physical, relational, emotional, mental or spiritual. This is why I believe small group ministry in the church is so needed; to help people find freedom.

A. I will continue to promote small group ministry and to encourage the development of prayer ministries in the church. These types of ministry compliment corporate worship and truly allows people to not only find freedom but to also move forward in discovering their purpose in Christ.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to encourage ministries that enable people to know you, find freedom, discover their purpose and to truly make a difference in the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

S.O.A.P. 15 Day Challenge Day #5 "Making Our Life Count" - James 4:14-15 (NIV)

S. “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘if it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”

O. James is reminding his readers that life is short, that are a mist (vapor) - here and gone. While we are here we should use our time to serve the Lord doing good unto others (v.17).

A. This truth I have clearly understood since my dad’s passing (August 16, 1982) and since I heard Pastor Lee Homoki say this in a message (Spoils of War 1 Samuel 30) on September 19, 1982. I have wanted, since that time, for my life to count, to be a difference maker. I have wanted to live my life according to God’s purposes.

P. Thank you Father for this reminder that our lives, when measured against eternity, are very short - a vapor or mist - here and then gone. After a while, we are not remembered. Therefore help me to make a difference while I am still here. Holy Spirit fill me and lead me. Open doors of gospel preaching opportunities that I might fulfill God’s purpose in my life and do my part to advance His Kingdom. In Jesus’ name!

Wisdom From Heaven Creates A Peaceful Life - S.O.A.P. 15 Challenge Day #4

S. James 3:17-18 (NIV) “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”

O. James writes that the wisdom from heaven that we should seek loves peace - it desires to have positive and non-judgmental relationships with people. People who plant such positive seeds in others will see or experience a positive harvest of righteousness (right living).

A. I truly desire to have such positive relationships with others. I will continue to strive to live a life of purity and non-judgmentalism (discernment of thoughts) in these relationships, promoting peace.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. I truly desire to be a man of such heavenly wisdom - having purity and loving peaceful relationships with others. Holy Spirit, fill me and guide me to use wise discernment in building pure and peace loving relationships with others. In Jesus’ name!