S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge in 28 Days - Day #25, February 25, 2023 God's Productive Power of Sowing Seed

S. Mark 4:26-29 (NIV) 26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

O. Jesus teaches earlier on the Parable of the the Sower. The “success” rate is 25% - only 1 in 4 seems to land in good soil. But that good soil produces a great harvest. In v.26 Jesus is reminding his hearers (and us) that we need to keep planting because the law of sowing and reaping will produces a harvest. While we desire a harvest, it will not happen if we are not sowing. We need to sow and plant the gospel of Jesus as often as we can.

A. I will continue to teach and practice sowing seed (being aware and trusting God’s principle of sowing and reaping - Galatians 6:7-8). In doing so I am asking God for more influence and more opportunity to plant. I know that as I plant seed, it will reach good soil and it will produce a great harvest.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. I praise you. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me with faith, knowledge, wisdom and opportunity to plant the seed of the gospel of Jesus continually - as often and as much as I am able. I am believing for a great harvest as a result of great sowing - In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge in 28 Days - Day # 24- February 24, 2023 "The Spirit of 'Whole Hearted Devotion'"

S. Nmbers 14:24 (NIV) “But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartidly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.”

O. caleb gave a positive report about Israel trusting God to possess the land God was guiding them to (Num. 13:20). God commended Caleb. He saw Caleb’s faith. He saw Caleb’s “whole heart devotion” and called it a “different spirit” (as perhaps opposed to a half heart or no heart at all).

Serving God with “whole heart devotion” is recognized and commended by God - God rewards such devotion (Hebrews 11:6).

A. As I shared last week at Better Life Church - God is a rewarder of faith (or in this case whole heart devotion). He CANNOT NOT reward. God is pleased when we show a ‘different spirit.’ God is pleased when we display to Him and others our “whole heart” devotion in serving Him.

I desire to be that kind of man - serving God with a “whole heart’ - completely trusting God for His leading and provision.

P. Thank you Father for Caleb’s example of “whole heart” devotion to you. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to not fear over “perceived” obstacles, rather fill my heart with faith to serve you completely, trusting you for provision. In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge in 28 Days - Day #23 - February 23, 2023 "Praying for God's Favor"

S. Psalm 90:17 (NIV) “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands.”

O. Moses reflects upon their (his and Israel’s) time of following and serving the Lord. He writes of blessing but also acknowledges hardships (presumably as a result of their own disobedience as well as having to face and drive out enemies of the Lord). His prayer moves from reflection to requests - that God might teach them to make the most of their time on earth so they may enjoy His favor and blessing.

A. I reflect back at nearly 50 years of being a Christ follower and I can see that many hardships i faced, I faced because I didn’t trust the Lord enough (or fully). I too echo this request that in my current season of life that I might experience the favor and blessings of the Lord - that He would indeed establish the work of my hands.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Thank you for the many years of walking with me. Forgive for past mistakes, misjudgements, small faith and sin - I pray that in this season I would manage well the opportunities that you place before me and that I would experience your continued favor and blessings. In Jesus’ name.