S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day #28 November 28, 2022 "A Truly Great Commission."

S. Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

O. Jesus teaches His disciples in what we call “The Great Commission.” His words are instructive and compel us to Evangelism, (“Go”), Discipleship (“make disciples of all nations”), Commitment (“baptizing them…”), Obedience over knowledge (“teaching to obey everythig”) and to remember that the source of our authority and credibility is found in a our having a growing relationship with Jesus. Futher - Jesus promises to be with us as we carry out this Great Commission.

A. What an incredible calling - that in Jesus He has authorized us with such privilege to carry out His work and message. He not only authorizes us (me) but that He promises to be with me until He returns (physically). I will continue to go, disciple, encourage others to deeper levels of commitment and continue to provide clear teaching.

P. Thank you Lord Jesus for this call to action, for this truly great commission. I am excited to continue to in this and to see your kingdom expand.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day challenge - Day #27- November 27, 2022 "Impenetrable and Immovable in the Lord"

S. Psalm 125:1-2 (NIV) Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. 2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.

O. The Psalmist describes God’s care and protection of His people as that of Mount Zion. God surrounds His people. Because He surrounds His people, like Mount Zion, His people are like an impenetrable and immovable fortress. Believers are strong and have security that comes from the Lord because they place their trust in Him.

A. Though our enemy tries to plant negative thoughts in our minds, the Lord reminds us and teaches us in 2 Corinthians 10:1-5 to take captive every thought. One way to do this is to reflect and quote this passage and thought - that as we trust the Lord and when we do, we are like an impenetrable and immovable fortress.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Thank you Father for the truth of your protection in our lives and the strength you flow to us when we trust you. I ask for your continued strength and protection so negative thoughts and people cannot shake or move me. Holy Spirit when the enemy moves against me, help me to draw from God’s Word these great thoughts and claim with boldness the victory the Lord has given me. In Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day #26 - November 26, 2022 "Multiplying Kingdom Assets"

S. Matthew 25:14-27 (NIV) 14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’

21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

22 “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’

23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

24 “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

26 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

O. Jesus teaches this parable to show that in the Kingdom He has servants of differing abilities (talents). However, the teaching part is not our talents (abilities, skillsets), but how we use them to advance the Kingdom. God desires fruitfulness from His servants (disciples/followers). He is pleased when we multiply what He has placed in our hands.

A. I don’t know if I am a servant who has the ability to handle the five, the two or the one. But even if God entrusts me with one, my prayer and desire is to multiply that which He does trust me with to create more opportunities, to bear more fruit in His Kingdom.

P. Thank you Father for this word today. Thank you Jesus for what you have placed in my hands. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to increasing levels of wisdom and Kingdom fruit bearing. In Jesus’ name!