S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day #16 - November 16, 2022 "Temporary Troubles Help Us Become More Like Jesus"

S. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (NIV) 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

O. Paul and his team endured many hardships (c.f. 2 Corinthians 6:3-10). Yet through these hardships, they were being renewed inwardly; they were becoming more and more like Jesus and therefore Paul could refer to such troubles as “light” and “momentarily.”

A. As I seve the Lord - I have experenced troublesome times (yet not to the extent that Paul did). However, if I will keep my mind and eyes ready for renewal to see what He wants me to see - He does a work in me (renewal) which then allows me to realize that these “troubles” are as Paul called “light” and “temporary” compared to this work that He is doing in me.

P. Thank you Father for this word today. Thank you for Paul’s example and positive “up-look” in facing troublesome times. I know If I follow his example, I too can rejoice in the work you are doing in me - helping me to become more like Jesus. Thank you! In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day #15 - November 15, 2022 "Ther Reality of God's Faithful Provision"

S. 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 (NIV) 8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters,[a] about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,

O. Paul is teaching about the troubles that he experienced in ministry - and that are pretty much “par for the course.” He described it as “feeling” like receiving the sentence of death. Yet that was how he “felt” - not necessarily the reality of the situation. The reality is that when he depended completely upon God, God delivered him (v.10) and will do so again.

A. Troubles in ministry will likely not go away as long as we have an enemy (Satan) who is called the “god of this world” (fallen). I need not be overwelmed by my feelings to the pressure that may be exerted upon me - but rather, keep my mind on the reality that God has delivered (rescued) me before and He will do so again.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Holy Spirit fill me and lead me to not be guided by how I “feel”. Grant me wisdom and clear thinking to faifhfully depend on the reality of God’s continued faithful provision. Thank you in advance and in Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge Day #14 - November 14, 2022 "Defending With Love & Grace"

S. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV) “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous, be strong. Do everything in love.”

O. Paul has a great opportunity for effective ministry - yet there is opposition. In that light he says to those who serve with him and to others in similar situations - to be on guard. There are times when we have to take a stand and defend the work we’ve been called to - yet we always act in love.

It is possible to “hold the fort” (defend the faith, take a stand for the vision that God has given us in His work) and yet be loving and gracious. Again and again, Paul demonstrates that in everything we do for the cause of Christ, we need to do this with the love of the Lord Jesus.

A. I have experienced situations like this in my life and various ministries. There have been great opportunities and yet various degrees of opposition - for which I need to stand firm, guard and defend the vision and call that God has given me - yet I am also reminded to defend, guard, stand firm, be strong in love.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Thank you for calling me to your work. May I lovingly and with grace, have courage to stand firm, defend and protect the work you’ve called me to. In Jesus’ name.