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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Purify | Kim Chipman
S~ Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)
O~ I struggle with the word “perfecting”, probably because I’m a recovering perfectionIST. My study Bible says, “‘Perfecting holiness’ means that the Corinthians were to have nothing to do with paganism; they were to make a clean break with their past and give themselves to God alone. Paul wasn’t suggesting that the Corinthians could become sinless in this life. Instead, he was prodding them to work at maturing their faith.” This I can embrace!
A~ This verse speaks directly to my season right now – “purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit”. Yes. This is for me. I’m realizing in my 46 year old body that I need to care for myself better going forward than I have in the past. This life is a marathon, not a psrint, and I want my body healthy, vibrant, and full of energy. That means purifying from contamination.
I desire the same for my spirit. This means giving my heart to You alone, purifying from contamination.
I know these things and have been intentionally working on them, but what this verse reminds me of and helps me focus on is my WHY.
WHY to I want to be healthy, strong, vibrant and energized? Our of reverence for You. Because You are my God and I want my life to glorify You. I want to be an example of Your love in my home and in my world. You have a plan for me and I get to participate in it! I ahve lots of choices – the biggest issue is my heart. Purify from everything that contaminates body and spirit…
P~ Lord thank You! Thank You for Your Word. And help me! Help me remember my WHY. It is for You – out of reverence for You. Help me to choose well and purify my body and spirit FOR YOU. I love You!
Contaminates of the spirit | Nikki Metzger
S~ Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV)
O~ These promises are that God will live and walk with us. He will be our God, and we will be His people. He will be my Father, I am His daughter.
A~ Paul is calling me to purify myself from contaminates of my body and spirit. Why? For holiness. God should be revered and honored.
Netflix has produced in me, or really shown me what little self control I have. I have watched a tv show; a little over two seasons, in two weeks!! The show isn’t bad, my kids can watch it, but I’m wondering if this is contaminating my spirit?
I don’t want to cook dinner because I’m watching the show. I stay up later watching the show, and wake up grumpy. I engage less with my family because I’m watching the show. Prayers at bed with the kids are rushed because my show is on pause and I want to get back to it.
P~ Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (Psalm 51:10-12)
Give What I Have | Luisa Penaherrera
S~ If you are really eager to give, it isn’t important how much you are able to give. God wants you to give what you have, not what you don’t have. 2 Corinthians 8:12 (NLT)
O~ I am to give from what I have. If I don’t have money to give, I can give in other ways. I have time, I have patience, I have understanding.
A~ It’s not only money that is needed. There are other things in life that are important.
P~ Father, please forgive me for focusing on what I am not able to give instead of what I am. Help me to be generous with what you gave me.
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