These are a few of our SOAP notes from today’s reading. We encourage you to read and journal on your own first, then join us in conversation about what God revealed to YOU today. Click HERE to go directly to the daily reading if you wish.
Printable reading plan: Life Journal Reading Plan
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God’s Wisdom | Joni Tyner
S~ For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say: “He traps the wise in the snare of their own cleverness.” And again: “The LORD knows the thought of the wise; He knows they are worthless.” 1 Corinthians 3:19-20 (NLT)
O~ Paul is reminding the Corinthian church to put their faith in God, not trust their own wisdom or the wisdom of their leaders. God’s way of thinking is far above ours; He know all the futile thoughts of the “wise”. (this comes from my NLT Bible notes of chapter 3: 18-21)
A~ November 8, 2016 is Election Day in the United States. As I write this journal note, I have no idea who will be elected president, but I am comforted that God will not be holding His breath at 8pm as CNN starts reporting in which states are going red or blue. He is God and NO ONE else is. He is not tricked by political promises or persuasive commercials. He doesn’t make mistakes and sometimes he uses imperfect people (yes, even politicians) to advance His kingdom.
P~ Dear Lord, I am so comforted knowing that You are in control. I don’t understand everything and why certain things happen, but I do know Your ways are not my ways. I pray for the leadership of this country. I beg that you pursue their hearts with integrity, goodness, kindness, gentleness. Surround our new president with wise counsel. I pray that each citizen of our country feels a renewed commitment to love and support other people in a way that is respectful. Please help me to support and pray for leadership in our country. Thank you for Election Day, it is a privilege to be able to vote.
Know The Word | Kim Chipman
S~ So then, no more boasting about human leaders! 1 Corinthians 3:21 (NIV)
O~ Paul is talking about the church and its leaders. v11 “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Human “wisdom” is foolishness in God’s sight (v19). Jesus Christ must be my foundation. John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus Christ = God = The Word. The Word should be my foundation.
A~ Currently I’m enjoying my birthday gift: a mini-retreat with a few girlfriends. This is the 2nd year we have stolen away to have some time unplugged from the world to engage in Sabbath rest. We spend most of the time in solitude reading, praying, resting, and communing with You. We come together for meals or maybe to take a walk. It is truly sacred time.
Last evening we were talking about some statements/views of a leader in ministry that have been controversial. The general conclusion we came to was twofold: 1. Whether we agree with another person or not our responses should be loving (and WOW some people who say they love Jesus are really not being kind) 2. We must guard our hearts against following human leaders more closely than we pursue You and Your truth through Your Word.
If I love You like I say I do then knowing Your Word – Your foundation of truth in my life – is crucial. I know You can speak through people, but You also warn (time and time again!) of false prophets that will come to deceive. It is important to continue meeting together to encourage one another, share how You are working in our lives, recieve teaching, use our unique gifts, and serve one another. Your body is a beautiful thing! Knowing You intimately, personally, and directly, however, is critical to a healthy foundation. Merely taking the words or opinions of any leader with out knowing Your voice and Your character FOR MYSELF is dangerous and leaves me open to deception. Spending time with You in Your Word – ALL of Your Word – DAILY is essential to building my solid foundation so I know Your voice and Your truth FOR MYSELF.
P~ Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for this time away to refuel and refresh my soul. Help me to follow hard after You alone, through Your Word, so I know Your voice and your truth in my heart. Grant me the wisdom and discernment that can only come from You. I love You!
Timely Truth | Nikki Metzger
S~ So don’t boast about following a particular human leader. For everything belongs to you – and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. 1 Corinthians 3:21, 23 (NLT)
O/A~ Today is a big day for the USA – we are electing the next leader of our country. Is my security in the POTUS? Can the next POTUS change my life?
Paul, the author of this book, has seen leaders come and go and he gives us an order of things. Everything belongs to me, I think that means that I have everything I need in my life. I belong to Jesus, and Jesus belongs to God.
I shouldn’t boast about any leader, POTUS, preacher, business, etc. because I belong to Jesus. He is my One that I should be boasting about. And to increase my confidence in Jesus, I need to remember He belongs to God! So whatever happens today, I belong to Christ….I am safe and secure!
P~ Father, thank You!
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