S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge in 28 days - Day #22 - February 22, 2023 "The Problem Can't Be Mine and God's At the Same Time"

S. Numbers 11;23 (NIV) “The Lord answered Moses, ‘Is the Lord’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.’”

O. God was going to give them what they were asking for - meat, and a lot of it! Moses, however, looked at the facts - How could God do this? Moses questioned God because he looked at his (Israel’s) own resources not at what God was able to do.

This is another of those situations in life in which we look at the facts but not the truth. God’s answer is the truth - He is more than able to provide.

A. I often get caught looking a t the facts rather than leaniing into the truth. Yet I know ‘God’s arm is not too short.” As I continue to serve Him, I will continue to place the facts in His very capable hands. There’s a phrase I’ve heard a few times recently, “the problem cannot be my problem and God’s problem at the same time.” Therefore, I will undersntad the facts (the challenges before me) but I will also place them in God’s very capable hands.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. I know your “arm is not too short.” You are more than able to provide for whatever my personal or ministry needs are. Today I place whatever the “facts” are that seem to bog me down, into your hands to do what only you can do. In Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge in 28 Days - Day #21 - February 21, 2023 "No Matter the Season - Keep in Step"

S. Acts 28:8-11 (c.f. Numbers 9:15-23) NIV

His (Publius) father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. 9 When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10 They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

11 After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux.

O. I had just been reading Numbers 9:15-23, observing God’s presence leading Irael. There were times the Lord’s presence (cloud/fire) would remain in one place longer before moving than at other times. Israel followed God’s leading. When He paused, they paused. When He moved, they moved. I also observed in my reading in the Acts 28 passage that Paul and all those with him on the island of Malta, actively ministered to those on the island while they made their preparations to go to Rome. This was a period of 3 months (v.11).

THOUGHT: While we follow His leading, we should actively serve and minister to others whether we are in one place for a day or for 3 months.

A. No matter what season I’m in, whether it’s a brief interval or an extended season, I will serve he Lord by worshipping Him and leading others to Him. At Asbury College many people (students, staff, neighbors) are in a season of revival, while I suppose there are other people in other areas who are waiting for a Word for the Lord or for His presence to guide them to the next place. Regardless, may we always and actively be about our Fathers’ work - sharing the Gospel of Jesus and discipling those who come to know Him.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to keep in step with you as I actively serve before/in the presence of the Lord. (Galatians 5:16-26)

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge in 28 Days - Day #20, February 20, 2023 - "Safe Arrival Through Storms"

S. Acts 27:22, 44 (NIV) “…But now I (Paul) urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed……The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.”

O. Paul had shared that no person would be lost.. and in v. 44 - no one is lost - everone was safe. It may not have been the safe arrival that they hoped for. They had faced some strong trials-but they did not lose hope and made it safely.

Some times the Christian life is like that - God calls us. He leads us. We at times face trials that may test our faith. Yet if we persist and do not lose hope in His leading - we do get to our destination safely.

A. I have witnessed and experienced many trials that have tested my faith. Yet I know often such trials, if I do not lose hope, can strengthen my faith and that the Lord will guide me through the difficult time -safely.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Thank you for trials that will test and I pray strengthen my faith. Holy Spirit, fill me and guide me with resolve and persistence to see these times through - knowing you will bring me through safely. In Jesus’ name.