S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge in 28 Days - Day #13 - February 13, 2023 "20-20 Vision"

S. Acts 20:20 (NIV) “You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.”

O. Despire severe testing, Paul remained focused on God’s call on his life. Paul had 20-20 spiritual eyesight or vision. Paul remain focused on God’s call in proclaming Jesus (v.21, 24).

The trials and tests that Paul (and many today) experienced can, at times be enough to knock us down, derail us or keep us off balance in our walk with the Lord.

Paul models extreme faith to keep going. He models being a resilient disciple - if he gets knocked down, he gets back up. He breaks through with a grit, a determination, and a singular focus to proclaim Jesus.

A. This is my desire - to have that grit, determination, resiliency and singularity of focus - to have 20-20 spiritual vision and insight in preaching and teaching Jesus. No matter the trials, I continue to believe God for more - more people and more opportunities to preach and teach about Jesus and the Gospel of God’s grace (v.24).

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me with wisdom, insight and a bold faith to break through walls of testing with 20-20 vision and to bear much fruit. In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge in 28 Days - Day #12 - "The Principle of Margin"

S. Leviticus 19:9-11 (NIV) 9 “‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. 10 Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God.

O. God is teaching Israel to not consume their entire harvest (income). They are to leave some available for those who have need. I call this the principle of margin. It is not spending all our income, but budgeting on less and thereby creating margin (extra) for those opportunities to help and bless others.

A. In my personal finances I will set aside money for emergencies or for opportunities to bless others. In our church we will budget on 90% of the previous year’s income creating 10% margin for special opportunities and to bless others.

P. Thank your Father for your word today. Thank you for teaching me the principle of margin. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me with wisdom and knowledge to budget wisely and create margin to bless others. In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge in 28 Days - Day #11, February 11,2023 "Faith Over Fear Brings God's Presence"

S. Acts 18:9 (NIV) “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision, ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, beause I have many people in this city.”

O. Paul faithfully went to both Jews and Gentiles to share that Jesus is the Lord, the Messiah. Despite opposition by some and others refusing to listen - Paul continued to preach. God blesses him and encourages Paul to continue and to not be afraid. He (God) is with Him and will protect him.

Fear can be a hinderance to productive ministry - but faith brings about such great results and the presence of God. Time and time again God reminds us to not fear, to have a bold faith, that He will go before us and be our shield.

A. At times I have fearful thoughts that run through my mind. I believe our enemy - Satan, loves to suggest such fearful thinking into our minds and attempt to produce fear. Yet God reminds us of our call and that we do not need to be afraid. He is with us!

I will continue to faithfully discharge all my duties as pastor-teacher of the Gospel of Christ, knowing that these efforts will produce eternal blessings because God is with me and is my shield.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Thank you for remding me that I do not need to fear and that you are with me. Holy Spirit fill me with wisdom and boldness to fully carry out the calling you have placed on my life. In Jesus’ name!