S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day #3 - June 3, 2023 "Know the Conditions of Your Flocks."

S. Proverbs 27:3 (NIV) “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.”

O. Solomon teaches the wisdom of knowing the conditions of your flocks - or in contemporary language - the resources that God has placed into our possession. We are to take inventory of what we have, not just count the number but note the quality or condition of these things. We are to manage well such things.

He reminds us that not everthing lasts forever therefore we should take really good care of what God has given us responsibility of.- This might range from how I maintain my yard (keeping weeds out), how I prune bushes and trees so they can grow without hinderance (no things left to the wild do not fare well), or how I keep my car in good running order, how I maintain myself (spiritual and physical condition), my finances and relationships. All of these are areas we are to know the condition of (I probably missed a few areas).

A. I love this passage. It provides me that nice reminder that there is wisdom in managing well the resources God has entrusted to me. Not only is there wisdom in managing things, but it reminds me that not everything will last forever, but while it is my responsibility, it honors God that I care for it

P. Thank you Lord for teaching me the importnce of knowing the condition of the resources you’ve entrusted to me and that I need to give time and attention to these areas. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me with knowledge and wisdom to manage well what the Lord has entrusted to me. In Jesus’ name.

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day #2 - June 2, 2023 "The Value of Productive Work."

S. Proverbs 24:30-34 (NIV)

I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense. 31 I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down. 32 Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: 33 A little extra sleep, a little more slumber,  a little folding of the hands to rest— 34 then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.

O. Solomon sees the results of people who do not work - who do not consistently manage or care for their possessions. There is certainly a place for rest- sabbath - but there are six other daysin the week when we are to care for what the Lord has given us. The lesson learned is enjoy a day’s rest, but then cultive and care for the resources God has blessed us with.

A. I will continue to manage as best as I am able, the resources God has put into my hands. I will do my best give time and attention so that what I am given bears fruit, is healthy, is attractive and communicats to others I value what God provides me with.

P. Thank you Lord for the value of productive work. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to be a wise manager of the resources you have given to me. In Jesus’ name!

S.O.A.P. 30 Day Challenge - Day 1 - June 1, 2023 "God Honors Careful Planning"

S. Proverbs 21:5 (NIV) “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”

O. Solomon has taught much on having advisors, of having prudence or wisdom, and that planning and preparation are of great value.

In this passage he teaches that the plans of the diligent lead to profit - to gain (a positive thing). The word for diligent has a meaning of being “sharp” or “decisive.” It implies skilled action rather than acting under pressure (haste). It is a planng or decision making process that is careful and skillful.

A. I know I am able to make decisions quickly - and at times this is needed and has it’s own value. But in many other instances, I wish I were more diligent, that is, taking extra precaution and care. I like the idea of being “sharp” as it remids me of “sharpening tools” to be effective. I desire to be sharp, diligent, and careful - as it will lead to profit (having plenty) as opposed to have little or going without.

P. Thank you Lord for your word today. Thank you for teaching me the value of careful planning. I desire this. I know it is another aspect of having wisdome (prudence) and that it leads to provision (having plenty). Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to be a wise and diligent planner. In Jesus’ name!