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.
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A New Job Story | Kelley Deases
S~ The Lord said to Job: “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!” Job 40:2 (NIV)
O~ If ever I were to hear God’s voice audibly, I would not want to hear such a rebuke as this. (Punctuated by an exclamation point, no less!) But God had clearly heard enough yammering from these tiny humans — Job’s so-called “friends” and their theories and flawed theology, and even Job, who questions why God would allow him to suffer without cause and further demands an audience with God to plead his innocence and be vindicated. When God speaks, all are silenced.
A~ I just finished a novel called Heaven’s Wager, by Ted Dekker. It is basically a fictionalized account of what would happen if Satan again posed a challenge to God, this time in modern times and this time that he (Satan) could keep an unbelieving man away from God’s attempts to draw the man in with His love. It was such a good read and such a good reminder of all the tools Satan uses: distraction, revenge, bitterness, material wealth, selfish ambition, and how God’s love gently beckons us out of that empty space in our soul which nothing else can fill.
P~ Father, I have found a renewed joy in reading lately. It is a godly joy which stirs the soul and heightens the senses. While I know You desire to speak to me through Your Word first and foremost, these human stories nonetheless add value and enrich my life, not simply as a mini-escape but as offering new insights and perspectives to broaden my horizons.
Fix My Thoughts | Kim Chipman
S~ Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers? Job 40:2 (NLT)
O~ Poor Job. God answered all his complaining and questioning with a thorough tongue lashing for the last several chapters. He reminds Job exactly who He is.
A~ In as much as I see myself as an Israelite I see myself in Job as well. Sometimes in this live on this planet I just don’t get it! Especially through trial I begin to question everything – including You! Lately, I’m being reminded over and over again what a battle we are in and what a battlefield my mind is and my thoughts are. (Isaiah 26:3, 2 Cor 4:18, Phil 4:8, Ps 104:34, Ps 139:23, Isaiah 55:8-9, Matt 9:4, 12:25, Luke 6:8, 7:40, 9:47, 11:17, 2 Cor 10:3,5, Eph 4:23, Heb 4:12)
P~ Lord, help me to remember in the moment to fix my thoughts on You and Your Truth so I can fight this battle for Your glory! Your Word is my anchor, it is absolute Truth. I love you.
On My Own, I Make a Mess | Michelle Myers
S~ Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you. Job 40:14 (NIV)
O~ The way that I understand this, is that God is telling Job, “Look, I can do all of these things, because I am God. I am your hope, salvation, security, healer, etc. You are not. However, if You prove me wrong and do these things, I will admit it and that you are just as powerful as I am.”
A~ I am just going to humble myself right now, and say that I can’t save myself from anything. Everything I have, everything I am ,everything that I have overcome, everything that has been healed, is because of You. When I did it on my own and in my own way, my right hand, along with my words, tone, facial expressions, and eye rolling did way more damage than good.
P~ Thank you God for constantly bringing me to the end of myself, so I can constantly be reminded of who I am and who You are. This has helped prevent a lot more damage over time. It is a constant battle, to not let my flesh puff up and false pride drive my words and actions, so just please continue to help me, so I am not helping the enemy.
Love: The Perspective-Changer | Tara Wiley
S~ Three things will last forever – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:13 NLT
O~ Paul has just spent the chapter describing how Godly love behaves, and in summation he proclaims that love is the best of all that will remain throughout eternity.
A~ Reading this chapter can be so convicting! I have a long way to go before I truly love this way. My self gets in the way all.the.time. Right now, Mo and I are struggling with a circumstance that really is unfair when looked at with human eyes. But, in the light of God’s love, any concern is truly revealed to be petty and self-seeking. Loving God’s way is hard! But it is where true reward lies. I can see why Paul says it is the greatest of all, because when we view (and respond to) all else through the lens of love, we gain perspective and wisdom within each circumstance, and come closer to being like Christ.
P~ Lord, you know the issue Mo and I are struggling with. Please bring peace and humility to our hearts as we wait on You. Refresh our understanding of the total selflessness You demonstrated, Jesus, when You were on this earth, and help us to have the same servant’s-heart attitude driven by love. I know that this is where any harbored selfishness, bitterness, and jealousy will be removed, replaced with a purity of heart that drives us closer to You with joy.
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