S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day #18 April 18, 2022 "Oh Taste & See The Lord is Good"

S. Psalm 34:8-9 (NIV) Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.

O. David writes about the goodness of the Lord as he is running away from Saul and living among the Philistines (the enemies of Israel). David invites all to experience just how good God is and then assures us that when we revere the Lord (fear Him or to be in awe of Him), we lack nothing. He supplies all we need.

A. I love this Psalm - “Oh, taste and see the Lord is good.” What wonderful words those are that describe the experience that you can have with God. While I have had my ups and downs, I can truly say that for most of the long haul of 47 years as a Christ follower, I have experienced the Lord to such a wonderful blessing in my life - and He has always provided for every need I ever had. I lack nothing. He takes care of me.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Thank you for how you are there to faithfully walk with me. You are so very good and you provide for all I need - I lack nothing - Thank you! Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to continue to experience all the wonders of our Father in Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge Day #17 April 17,2022 "The Priority of Preaching The Gospel"

S. Matthew 5:12, 17 (NIV) “When Jesus heart that John had been put in prison, He withdrew to Galilee…. From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near.’”

O. Jesus had just experienced a season of overcoming temptation and being strengthened by God (through angels). He was ready to begin His public ministry in proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom. He did not let the news of John’s imprisonment detain Him - rather, He began His public ministry - preaching the Good News and calling others to do the same. - Jesus was focused through the temptations. Further, it doesn’t appear He made efforts to free John, rather, He focused on the proclamation of the Gospel to others.

A. I think it’s important for me to keep my spiritual focus and not allow myself to fall into temptation. Further, I think that I must be cautious in geting caught up in the social and political concerns of the day and to continue to prioritize the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (The Apostle Paul would later encourage and caution Timothy about getting “entangled” in the civil affairs when you are called to be a soldier for Christ - 2 Timothy 2:4).

P. Thank you Father for this word today. Thank you Jesus for your example through times of testing and social concerns. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to keep my spiritual focus and priority in proclaiming your word, in Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge Day #16 April 16, 2022 "He Has the Whole World In His Hands"

S. Psalm 11:4,7 (NIV) The Lord is in his holy temple;  the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth;  his eyes examine them. 5 The Lord examines the righteous,  but the wicked, those who love violence,  he hates with a passion. 6 On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur;  a scorching wind will be their lot. 7 For the Lord is righteous,  he loves justice;  the upright will see his face.

O. David describes that despite activities of the wicked, God is in control. He is still ruling and reigning. Further, this same almighty God is sovereign - is also available (accessible) for those who love and obey Him.

A. I am comforted and encouraged, having re-assurance that God almight has this crazy world under His control - for one reason, I can go to Him anytime. He has given us (those who love and obey Him), access to him (especially now through the Lord Jesus Christ - Ephesians 2:18). he truly doesn’t want us to agonize over anything (Phil. 4:6-7), we can simply know and trust our Heavenly Father truly has the whole world in His hands.

P. Thank you Father that you allow me access to you - that I can go to you and watch you at work. You truly have this whole nutty world in your hands. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to pray and to enter into his presence through the acess given by the faithful work of Jesus. In Jesus’ name!