S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day 27, April 27, 2022 "God Has Miracles Ahead For Us"

S. Matthew 14:13-15 (NIV) 13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”

O. Jesus and His disciples had just dealt with the loss of John the Baptist. It was probably a gut wrenching, emotional experience. Nevertheless, Jesus withdrew to a private place, I presume to pray, connecting with God the Father. Soon afterwards, there were a lot people that followed Him. Jesus then performs two miracles.

Thought: Despite the gut wrenching, emotional experiences of losing John the Baptist, Jesus performed miracles. Despite times when things looked awful, God can still work miracles in our lives. We should stop looking and grieving in the past and fix our eyes on Jesus and what He wants to do in our lives next.

A. I have experienced gut wrenching, emotional, trying moments in life and ministry. I have seen the Lord do amazing things (miracles) that help me leave the past behind. So I will continue to keep my focus on Him and believe Him to do miracles for me and through me.

P. Thank you Father for your word. Thank you that I can come to you in times that are very difficult and know you will not only protect me but you will be working miracles in my life in ministry if I’ll just keep my focus ahead and on you and not the past. In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day 26, April 26, 2022 "Kingdom Truths"

S. Matthew 13:1-58 (NIV) — Parable of the Sower (v.1-23); Parable ofthe Weeds (v.24-30, 36-43); Parables of the Mustard Seed & Yeast (v.31-35); Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl (v.44-46); The Parable of the Net (v.47-52).

O. Jesus teaches 7 parables about the Kingdom of heaven. Parables were earthly stories with heavenly meanings. In summary, Jesus taught the following about the Kingdom of Heaven (sometimes used interchangeably with the Kingdom of God):

The message proclaimed. * Opposition by the enemy * It grows and expands in size and influence * It is priceless and valuable * There is a judgment to it.

A.As I serve the Lord I desire my for the Lord to be visible and reaching to others, protected by God, growing and expanding in influence, seen/recognized by the Lord as of great value and at judgment time, showing much fruit (1 Cor. 3).

P. Thank you Father for these Kingdom truths. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to continue in kingdom work and praying that my labor for the Lord will stand up over time, producing great fruit. In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day #25, April 25, 2022 "Even When I Don't See It, God Is Always Working."

S. 1 Samuel 30:10-16 (NIV) 10 Two hundred of them were too exhausted to cross the valley, but David and the other four hundred continued the pursuit. 11 They found an Egyptian in a field and brought him to David. They gave him water to drink and food to eat— 12 part of a cake of pressed figs and two cakes of raisins. He ate and was revived, for he had not eaten any food or drunk any water for three days and three nights. 13 David asked him, “Who do you belong to? Where do you come from?” He said, “I am an Egyptian, the slave of an Amalekite. My master abandoned me when I became ill three days ago. 14 We raided the Negev of the Kerethites, some territory belonging to Judah and the Negev of Caleb. And we burned Ziklag.” 15 David asked him, “Can you lead me down to this raiding party?” He answered, “Swear to me before God that you will not kill me or hand me over to my master, and I will take you down to them.” 16 He led David down, and there they were, scattered over the countryside, eating, drinking and reveling because of the great amount of plunder they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from Judah.

O. David and his men are pursing the enemy (Amalekites) that had attacked their town. They had found strength from the Lord and asked God for His leading, which He confirmed (v.6-8). As they waged the battle, God “providentially” (I use this term “providence” to describe how God does things sort of in the background without really saying anything. Things just “seem” to line up.) provides them an opportunity. They “come upon” a servant of the enemy who can lead them to the enemy - the Amalelites.

What a great find! God provides them this opportunity. They are able to take advantage of this “find” and complete the victory. Sometimes God allows the enemy to actually aid in rolling out His plan. An old time preacher, Dr. John R. Rice once said, “When the devil’s going your way, ride him.”

A. I am always amazed (thought I probably should not be) of the times I experience God’s hand of “providence.” (His leading despite what the enemy might be doing or even using the enemy as an agent to the rolling out of His plan). As always, no matter how God opens the door, I will follow His leading. I will follow His favor to inact His plan and give Him praise and glory.”

P. Thank you Father for how you unfold events - you’re always working. As the song says, “…even when I don’t see it you’re working, even when I don’t feel it, you’re working. You’re always working…”Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to continue to follow your favor and to praise you. In Jesus’ name!