S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge in 28 Days - Day 1 - February 1, 2023 "Patience and Preparation for the Lord"

S Exodus 32:1 (NIV)  When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.”

O.In the previous chapters of Exodus, God is revealing to Moses His insructions and blessings for Israel. It is taking some time. Meanwhile, the people of Israel grow impatient and decide they will make an idol and worship it.

I see a correlation to our present time - people who are believers in God and in Christ, get impatient regarding the Lord’s second coming (His return). He is preparing Heaven for us and He’s patient for those who do not yet know Him, that they might come to know Him. But people become impatient and may think, “it’s been 2,000 years, He’s not coming” and then make idols for themselves. Idols in the form of filling their lives with other things that take the place of God.

A. I can see why God delays, though I desire to see Him and to be with Him. I know he’s wanting others to place their faith in Him - the Harvest is great. This is not a time to depart from Him by filling up our lives with other things that only He can provide. This is a time to ever increase (build up) our faith and to do our part to reach othes.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Though you may delay in coming, I know its for the purpose of blessing all of us - to reach many others to be in your family. I will continue to ramp up efforts to lead people to you and not away from you. I pray your blessing upon my efforts and those that I am able to teach and lead. Lord, you said the Harvest is plentiful and to pray to the Lord of the Harvest for workers. Father we don’t have a harvest problem we have a worker problem I do pray that you will then bring in more workers to help people move toward you and now away from you. In Jesus’ name!

21 Days of Prayer - Day 20 -Friday - January 27-- Prayer Focus - OUR NEEDS

Day 20 -Friday - January 27-- Prayer Focus - OUR NEEDS

Day 20 is always special. We always use this Friday to pray for the sick. To pray for people who may need healing or any kind of miracle that might be needed.

Today our goal is to build or stir our faith.

Mark 10:46-52 (NIV)

46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

A man with a need comes to Jesus.

We all have a need, a list, things we are believing God for.

Here’s the first principle:

1. Push through opposition.

People were wanting him to be quiet. They were “shushing him.” But he persisted and shouted all the louder.

Perhaps we don’t ask God because we hear an internal voice that tells us not to. Or that we think that it’s too late.

God loves persistence. We will keep pressing through the opposition. He’s my only option and only hope.

2. Release control.

This man threw his cloak aside and walked toward Jesus.

A cloak could hold value. One of the few things he had. Maybe this represented provision because some think he would put his cloak out on the ground to catch change.

But he’s letting it go.  

It can’t be my problem and God’s problem at the same time.

I’m all in. I’m giving all of whatever my problems are, to God. I’m throwing them aside and trusting Him for provision.

3. Make it personal.

Jesus calls Bartimeaus - and asks him “what do you want me to do for you?”

Jesus knew His need. 

Bartimeaus was asking for mercy - but Jesus called him and said “what do you want me to do for you””  IE perhaps Jesus wanted Bartimeaus to be more specific, more personal.  

God wants us to get personal with Him rather than just “throwing requests” up to Him.  He is so interested in Him.

Today let’s push through opposition, release control and make it personal. In Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Preview - The Proper Use of God's Name - Exodus 20:7

S. Exodus 20:7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name.”

O. I used to think this verse meant not speaking God’s name in the form of swearing (cussing). However, it is far more than that. I’m not to treat God’s name as empty or for nothing - Rather - God has revealed Himself through His covenant names to reveal His character and bless us. These names can all be found in principle in Psalm 23:1-6:

Jehova-Raah - God is my Shepherd. Jehova-Jire - God is my provider. Jehova-Shalom - God is my peace.

Jehova-Rapha - God is my healer. Jehova-Tsidkenu - God is my righteousness. Jehova-Shamah - God is There.

Jehova-Nissi - God is my banner of victory. Jehova-M’Kaddesh - God is my sanctifier.

A. I will incorporate the names of God into my prayer life. I will further teach the principle of praying His covenant names to others and I will claim the promises that come with each of His revealed names. His name reveals more about who He is. He answers prayers not based on who I am, but on who He is.

P. Thank you Father for revealing yourself through your covenant names. I will put your names to their proper use and pray them in praise with thanksgiving. Thank you for revealing yourself through your names. I praise you In Jesus’ name!