S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day # 19 - November 19, 2022 "Bold Faith"

S. Matthew 4:19-22 (NIV) 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.

21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

O. The first disciples (Peter, Andrew, James and John) showed bold steps of faith. Jesus called them and Matthew writes that they left “at once” and “immediately.” I do not observe that they took their time in responding to Jesus. I don’t know what they had to do to get ready - Matthew uses those terms “immediately” and “at once” to describe the type of bold faith it takes to follow Jesus, so I don’t think they delberated about this. I don’t tink they flipped coins (no mention of casting lots). The simply left immediately and at once (from what I read).

A second observation is the disciples were quite young, possibly teens. They likely worked for their fathers. It is possible that they literally said “ok, dad, Jesus is calling, we are out of here.” Regardless, Matthew does highlight their bold faith.

A. I have had times when the Lord has called me and I made the decision “at once,” yet there was a season of preparation that needed to take place (attending bible college, licensing and ordination).. There have been other times that Lord has called me to act and I did just that Immediately” and “at once.” I do desire to be known for bold faith as I make every attempt to always follow Jesus “at once” and “immediately” when He calls.

P. Thank youi Lord for calling me. I pray you will continue to guide me and direct my steps (Prov. 3:5-6) and I will do all I can to always respond in bold faith - “immediately” and “at once” - In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day #18 - November 18, 2022 "Leaning Into God's Grace."

S. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 (NIV)

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

O. Paul stated that he was given a thorn in his flesh- he called it “a messenger of Satan to torment me.” I am not sure what this thorn was. Some theologians think possibly blindness. But whatever it was, Paul could do nothing about it other than lean into the Grace of God.

When we have cirmcustnaces that we cannot control, we should follow Paul’s example and lean into the Grace of God. When we do, God does an even greater work in our life and ministry. He reveals His great power through our weaknesses.

A. I think I, like many people and especially pastors, like to give direction (control) to things in our lives and/or ministry. There is nothing wrong with that, per se. We are to be faithful stewards (managers) of what the Lord has placed in our hands (1 Cor. 4:1-2). However, I must also recognize that there will be situations beyond my control that I must simply then, lean into God’s Grace and trust Him to work His power in this weakness of mine.

P. Thank you Father for the grace you provide for me when things get beyond my abilities. Thank you that I can lean into your Grace and watch you reveal your great power in those moments. Your grace truly is amazing. Thank you. In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day #17, November 17, 202 "It's a Generous Life"

S. 2 Corinthians 9:8 “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 everything.”

O. Paul is teaching on the topic of Generosity. He is commending the Macedonian churches for their generosity in times of personal hardships. He reminds them that God rewards generosity in all things and at all times. Cheerful giving is commended. Sowing generously will produce such blessing. Despite whatever “perceived limitations” we think we have, God is able to more than supply all that we need - when we are generous.

A. What a wonderful teaching and truth. It’s the principle of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7&8) and true in many areas of life. I will continue to trust God with all that I have - knowing that as I live a life of generosity, He will continue to bless me in all things and all times - I will have all that I need. It truly is a “wonderful life” or perhaps “a generous life.”

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Thank you for teaching me that living a generous life is encouraged and that when we do - you love to bless us in all things and at all times, supplying not only our need but helping us to abound in everything. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to live such a generous life. In Jesus’ name.