S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge in 28 Days - Day #19 February 19, 2023 "The Pivotal Event"

S. Acts 26:28-29 (NIV)

8 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

O. Paul took a moment of opportunity to share his story (the testimony of what Jesus has done and is doing for him). He shared: 1) his past - his life before Christ in v.9-11. He then shared 2) the pivotal event - his encounter with Jesus (v.12-18) and then he capped it off by sharing 3) his present - what his life with Jesus is like right now v.12-27. Paul ws trusting that by sharing his story that it might be the “seed” for Agrippa to place his faith in Jesus, whether it happened now or later.

A. I want to always be aware of the situations that God places me in so that I might share the story of what Jesus has done, is doing and will do in my life. I encourage others to do the same simply by sharing 1) your past life without Jesus, 2) describe then the pivotal moment of when you encountered Jesus and 3) the present of what life is like with Jesus. For those who might not know Jesus, I pray that they too will have a pivotal moment in their life when they encounter the Lord Jesus and place their faith in Him.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to actively share my testimony of who you are and your great love for all. In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge in 28 Days - Day #18, February 18, 2023 "Extreme Faith Against All Oddds"

S. Acts 25:11 (NIV) “If, however, I am guiilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die.”

O. Paul demonstrates integrity and what I might call “extreme faith” against all odds. Here he is willing to accept the rule of law - the legal consequences (death) for the defense of his faith.

A. I would hope that in a critical moment I coud also demonstrate such integrity. It is one thing to take a stand in defense of our beliefs (faith) and another to rise to the level of accepting the legal consequences (in this case death).

P. Thank you Father for your word. Thank you for Paul’s example of integrity and faith. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to have such a deep, and strong faith - an Extreme Faith that stands against all odds in trusting you. In Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge in 28 Days - Day #17, February 17, 2023 "Say 'No' to Guised Opportunities."

S. Acts 24:26 (NIV) “At the same time he (Governor Felix) was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, soe he sent for him frequently and talked with him.”

O. Paul shows integrity and faith in God by not giving nto such bribes. Paul stays on task in sharing God’s word. Paul demonstrates a faith that acknowledges that the Lord will continue to guide and provide for him.

A. It seems there are always things that rise up in our life that appear beneficial to us if we will just lean into them. However, if such things end up taking the place of our dependance on the Lord for provision or leading, then we need to show intergrity and faith to say “no” to such things and place our complete trust in the Lord.

That is my prayer and desire. I do not need to lean into other sources or "guised” opportunities, rather, I will continue to keep my absolute reliance in the Lord for His provision and leading in my life.

P. Thank you Father for this word today and for Paul’s example of faith and integrity. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to stay on track with God’s call in my life - that I might be found faithful and as a result, fruitful. In Jesus’ name.