S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge in 28 Days - Day #16, February 16, 2023 "God's Amazing Providential Provision"

S. Acts 23:23-23 (NIV) 23 Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. 24 Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.”

O. God had told Paul earlier that he (Paul) would testify on behalf of the Lord in Rome. God in His providence gives Paul amazing protection - nearly 500 soldiers to guard him against the 40+ people who wanted to kill Paul.

When God tells us to not fear (take courage) He will often provide means either by divine miracle or by arranging events for such a favorable outcome (what I often call his “providential watchcare”).

A. I often have fear, doubt and uncertainty come into my mind. Yet, I wll not let it hold me captive or kill off my opportunities to bear fruit in the Kingdom. I will pray for God’s to intervene, whether He does this by miraculous divine intervention or through His providential watchcare. I know He can and will do the same for me.

P. Thank you Father for reminding me of the various ways you will achieve your purposes through us. We have no need to fear. When fear and doubt seek to attack me, I will continue to trust in your provision, no matter how you choose to bring it to pass, so I can live out your purpose for my life in your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge in 28 Days - Day #15, February 15, 2023 "Intimacy With the Father"

S. Psalm 26:1-3 (NIV) 1 Vindicate me, Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord
    and have not faltered. Test me, Lord, and try me,  examine my heart and my mind; 3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love  and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.

O. While others may have attacked David (on a personal basis is my sense here), David knew in his heart that he led a blameless life. He prays to the Lord to grant him favor and victory based upon his “whole heart” attitude of faithfully serving God.

HIs relationship with the Lord is so strong and healthy that he seeks God’s blessing and victory - Because he knows that God knows his heart so intimately.

A. What a great relationship with the Lord to have. I desire and ask the Lord that I too might have such a deep and intimate relatioship with Him. I will continue to cultivate my relationship with God that I too might say, “Lord, vindicate me when others attack because I know you know me, you know my heart."

P. Thank you Father - your are truly Jehova-Shamah - the God who is always there. You are not some distant and far removed God - rather you are close, you are proximate, and you deisre to reciprocate in having an intimate relationship. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to deeper levels of intimacy with the Father - In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge in 28 Days - Day #14 - February 14, 2023 - "Taking A Throne Check"

S. Psalm 24:3-5 (NIV) “who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior.”

O. David considers the greatness of God (v.1-2) and offers, what seems to be a rhetorical question - “who can possibly stand before the presence of the Lord?” (my paraphrase). But though it would seem that the answer is “no one,” David offers hope in that those who live a pure life (not a perfect life) - those who do no wrong and have hearts that are pure (their desire is set fully upon the God) and that there is no idolatry (they have filled their hearts with God)… these worshippers/followers can then come before Him..

A. One of the “keys” to unlock the favor of God is to have a life of purity (not perfection). God desires to be at the center of our hearts and when He is - He is able to bless. I desire this. I am not perfect but I do always seek to have Him sitting on the “throne of my heart” and when He is - I am able to live a life of purity and enjoy His presence and blessing.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Lord Jesus, I desire you to be sitting on the throne of my heat and through the power of the Holy Spirit, enable me to live a life of purity which is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name!