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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Faith | Luisa Penaherrera
S~ And Jesus answered, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he stood up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly all was calm. Matthew 8:26 (NLT)
O~ Jesus acknowledged their little faith caused them to fear. He still calmed the waves and wind, maybe so their faith may grow.
A~ There are so many things I look at: people, their reactions, my circumstances, my abilities, my lack of abilities.
What I need to look at is Jesus. I need to trust him and look at life through faith. I feel like Jesus is saying this to right to me…why are you afraid, you have so little faith.
P~ Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for the gift of faith. Please help my faith to grow.
Infinite and Intimate | Kelley Deases
S~ The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” Matthew 8:27 (NIV)
O~ I was flipping through radio channels yesterday when I came across a sermon that had me nodding along in agreement. The pastor said something about how it is sometimes easier to accept God is God over the big things: the universe, the moon and stars, world events, and the rise and fall of kings and leaders. But I still wonder, even in the face of countless proofs to the contrary, if God really hears my prayers, knows my thoughts, and cares for the things which concern me.
A~ Funny thing about it is I tell “my kids” these words at Wednesday night children’s church. In my role as Prayer Partner, kids will approach me and share what’s on their heart so I can pray with and for them. Nearly every time I have this opportunity to pray for a student, I make sure they know that they, too, can talk to God anywhere anytime about anything. I tell them I don’t possess any “special prayer power” and God hears them as well as He hears me. I reassure them God is concerned about whatever concerns them. How many times must I speak this truth until I truly embrace it for myself?
P~ Father, I have long been convinced You are God over the big things. Seal it to my heart You are with me continually and have Your hand even in the small matters. You are just as intimate as You are infinite.
Audience of One | Kim Chipman
S~ Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Matthew 9:4 (NIV)
O~ Jesus was healing a paralyzed man. There were some religious leaders that were thinking things to themselves about Jesus blaspheming and Jesus totally called them out on it.
A~ There’s nothing I can hide from You. You know not only what I say and do, but my thoughts and intentions. You know my heart. There is no “secret sin” with You – You know everything.
Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
It is easy for me to fall in the people pleasing trap.
P~ Help me to live for You alone. Help my heart to keep You as my Audience of One. Help me to purify my heart, thoughts and intentions out of reverence for You to glorify You. Help me submit to Your will in all things. You know, You see. I love You!
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