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: Discover One Thing Reading Plan
Want to walk through the Bible one book at a time? Head over to Discover One Thing Online Study!
My Audience of One | Kim Chipman
S~ Now the Ephraimites asked Gideon, “Why have you treated us like this? Why didn’t you call us when you went to fight Midian?” And they challenged him vigorously. Judges 8:1 (NIV)
O~ My study Bible says:
“Ephraim’s leaders felt left out because Gideon had not called them to join the battle, but had left them in place to “clean up” the escaping Midianites (“the gleanings”), and so they angrily confronted him. Gideon assured the leaders of Ephraim that their accomplishment was even greater than his own clan’s (Abiezer). His diplomatic explanation pointed out that this rear guard had managed to capture the enemy’s generals, thus cutting off the leaders from their army. Nor every necessary job is a highly visible leadership role. Much of the necessary labor of any effective enterprise is considered by many to be dirty work. But such work is vital to getting any big task done. Engineers and millionaires may design and finance an elegant building, but it is the bricklayers who get the work done. Pride causes us to want recognition. Are you content to be God’s bricklayer, or do you resent the work God has given you?”
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.
A/P~ Lord, help me to truly and honestly in the depths of my heart serve You alone as my Audience of One. Fill me with joy as I serve You in whatever capacity You have for me. Help me find rich, deep joy in the mundane…so much of my life is the mundane…but it is necessary, holy work when it is for You. Help me to love people well and genuinely but not rely on their approval or recognition for fulfillment. Grow my joy in each small act of service to You. Help me to know and feel Your unconditional love. I love You!
My Jesus People | Kelley Deases
S~ I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. Romans 16:1-2 (NIV)
O~ Just a few days ago, I was asked to write a letter of recommendation for a high school student who is seeking induction into the National Honors Society. It was a privilege to speak in favor of a young man whom I have known since his childhood and exciting to think about all the opportunities, adventures, and “firsts” which lay in store for him in the future.
A~ We were talking in Bible study last week about the depth of relationship we get to enjoy as sisters in Christ. We may have friendships and acquaintances with many others from many circles, but the bond of unity we feel with those who follow Christ enables us to be at the same time elevated in our speech and conduct and vulnerable and transparent in our struggles. Paul, here in Romans, reminds me that while Christian doctrine is essential, the relationships he had with his brothers and sisters in the faith were paramount.
P~ Father, Thank You for enriching my life with amazing relationships, and especially my brothers and sisters in Christ who spur me on and raise me up.
Our team would love the privilege of praying for you! Please share how we can lift you in prayer at prayer@DiscoverOneThing.com
Discover One Thing 