S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge Day #9, April 9, 2022 "God Is Able"

S. 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things, at all times having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

O. Paul is sharing that for that sow generously, God is able to bless us so completely - He uses such comprehensive language - ALL THINGS - everything we do - AT ALL TIMES - not just a “one and done deal” but continually - we will abound (to be in excess - super abound). Those who sow generously will have more than they need.

A. I have seen this in my life many times and I continue to see it (not only in my personal life but in my church). By being a faithful, generous sower of what God puts in our hands (seed), He continues to provide. The seed reaps a harvest and God continues to provide more seed. It never runs out (like the fedding of the 5,000 and the 4,000). It never runs out. God is ABLE.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Thank your for provision and this truth that if we sow generously we will also reap generously. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to faithfully continue to sow seed, knowing God is able to provide even more in all things and at all times.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge Day #8, April 8, 2022 "Seasons of Plenty and Want"

S. 2 Corinthians 8:14 (NIV) “At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need.”

O. Paul encourages the church at Corinth that their plenty (referring to a capacity of generosity based upon having a good supply of resources) will supply - it will provide for those who have little due to a persecution that was occuring.

He also reminds them that there will be times when they will have little and will be supplied or resourced by the very ones they ae now helping.

A. I am reminded that we may all go through seasons of want and of plenty. I have had times when my need (want) was great and others supplied what I lacked. I have had other times when I have more wherewithall (supply) and was ale to help others. Then there are times I experience both of these ast the same time. This is what Paul in the next chapter refers tro as “seed to the sower.”

P. Thank you Father for this word and reminder that we go through seasons of plenty and want. Thank you that you provide to those that are lacking by giving seed to others to sow. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to give generously when I’m in that season and to receive graciously when I am in a season of want. In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge Day #7, April 7, 2022 "Limitless Joy"

S. 2 Corinthians 7:14 (NIV) 4 I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.

O. Paul had worked with the church at Corinth through some difficult times - yet he could see hope. They were all growing through the process. Despire any troubles, Paul’s joy would be “boundless” or “limitless.”

There is no limit to the joy we can have in times of trouble when we work together, have a teachable, humble spirit and follow God’s leaders.

A. What a geat word for any church, organization or family. When we are teachable, humble and follow God’s established order of leadership, we can all experience “limitless” joy through the diffcult times. I will continue to have a teachable spirit and provide godly leadershhip (with the help of the Holy Spirit) to others knowing that this can produce a “boundless” or “Limitless” joy. I am encouraged and excited to be preaching a upcoming summer series on “The Key To Everything - Teachability.”

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Thank you for “limitless” joy. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to experience such joy even when facing the difficult times that are sure to come. In Jesus’ name!