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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Bible is not idle words | Deanna George
S~ They are not just idle words for you – they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess. Deuteronomy 32:47 (NIV)
O~ They are not just idle words for you – they are your life. Moses sings a song to the Israelites about their mistakes, why they need to avoid making the mistakes, and offers them hope that only comes from trusting God (Life Application Study Bible notes).
A~ Read the words in the Bible and believe, have faith, and trust God.
Live the life God has called me to.
Obey the Word of God.
Teach the Word of God to my family.
Consume God’s wisdom.
P~ Lord Jesus, you are alive and well in my life. Like the Israelites, I have had to learn the lesson to stop repeating a sin, like watching a certain tv show that you have said not to watch, and I have to say thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for reminding me of your guidelines for my life. I appreciate that you are willing to help me and forgive me when I relapse. Thank you for telling me that your Bible is not just idle words – but my life. Please help me to live it everyday. Thank you for the SOAP method so that I may
learn and grow everyday.
“Not Idle Words” | Kelley Deases
S~ They are not just idle words for you — they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess. Deuteronomy 32:47 (NIV)
O~ Moses has just recited the words to a song in the presence of the whole assembly of the Israelites. Its lyrics tell the story of their deliverance and the Lord’s lovingkindness to His people; their foolishness and waywardness which evoked His jealously and wrath; and the Lord’s desire to draw His people to Himself as a powerful witness to the nations. Moses concludes by emphasizing he is not just making a speech. These words are their very life — detailing the history of where they have been and illuminating their chance for a prosperous future.
A~ Moses is describing my interaction with The Word. I remember as a child, I was a good student in school and this transferred to my Sunday school classes at church. I would always have my hand raised with the answer my teacher was seeking. But I was too young to really connect those Bible verses and teachings to my life in any meaningful way. When I found myself in a pit of despair after my first husband left our home, the words of Scripture took on new life for me, as His faithful servants shared verses that brought actual comfort and hope to those dark days. Years later still, I was introduced to this method of reading the Word daily (or nearly every day) with an expectation that God has a personal word to share just with me. Yet another step toward spiritual maturity, which has had tangible results in my marriage, my parenting, my compassion for others, and my outlook on life.
P~ Father, “They are not just idle words…they are [my] life.” I know this to be true. Amen and amen.
No Longer a Slave | Joni Tyner
S~ Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Romans 6:16 (NLT)
O~ Paul, the writer of Romans, is reminding us that we indeed have a choice, either following the whims of our desires (sin), or choosing to obey God.
A~ I have enough life experience to know that sin causes more sin. A small lie or infraction can quickly become exposed and then a MUCH BIGGER problem can occur. I believe pride is at the root of slavery. We don’t admit we are wrong, we don’t ask for forgiveness, we make excuses and blames others for our mistakes. We are slaves to the sin and the pattern of repeating sin.
I think when we desire righteous living, our hearts grieve when we know that we have messed up. We plead to God for forgiveness, we make an attempt to right what was wrong, and then we have a sincere desire to change the sin pattern.
P~ Dear Lord, please help me to choose Your ways in my daily life. I pray Your Holy Spirit convicts my heart when I’ve wronged someone and that I quickly make amends. I want to live in joy and freedom and an absence of fear—I know that comes from a heart that seeks You.
Here’s a video by Chris Tomlin that reminds me of this scripture.
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