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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Who gets the credit? | Nikki Metzger
S~ Jonathan attacked and defeated the garrison of Philistines at Geba. 1 Samuel 13:3 (NLT)
All Israel heard the news that Saul had destroyed the Philistine garrison at Geba. 1 Samuel 13:4 (NLT)
O~ I’m really not sure of Israelite custom for the king to get credit for a specific attack or not. According to verse 4, the story that swept through the countryside was that Saul had led the attack, but we really know that Jonathan defeated the garrison.
A~ This speaks to Saul’s character, he wanted credit for himself. He looked at himself first, even before his son, Jonathan! Maybe there was fear that he wouldn’t be able to win and that’s why he didn’t attack the garrison first? Maybe Saul didn’t attack the garrison because he was relying on his own strength and not God’s strength?
Maybe a month ago, my heart was stirred to really start praying for Jesus to help me carry my cross and just let my selfish desires to be put to death. God, You are so good in answering that prayer! Gently, He has been revealing those selfish desires and the heart they come from.
These verses about Saul desiring the glory for the attack reveal selfishness, but it’s not just Saul, it’s me too! I desire glory as well, for many things….but those things I want glory for, it’s not really mine, it’s His!
P~ I see it now, my selfishness. I was trying to cover it up, but now that it’s in the light, You can teach me, change me. Please fill me with humbleness and just remove that pride! I want You more than I want to be known, let that be my heart song! I love You! In Your Name I pray! Amen!
My Mission for Today (and every day) | Kelley Deases
S~ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)
O~ These are some of Paul’s parting words in his letter to the Corinthians. In some ways, they summarily capture the essence of the Christian life, how we should conduct ourselves as believers.
A~ 1. Be on your guard: for me, that can mean anything from not buying into this culture’s version of acceptable behavior to being sober and disciplined in my words and actions.
2. Stand firm in the faith: be sure to fortify my spirit in God’s Word each morning, receive teaching from my pastor, and seek out fellowship with other believers.
3. Be men of courage; be strong: I must be prepared to not only know the right path, but actually take it.
4. Do everything in love: I could do all of the above, but if I have not love, “I am only a resounding gong… I am nothing… I gain nothing.” (1 Cor. 13)
P~ Father, Thank You for this charge this morning as a begin my day. Empower me to be on my guard, stand firm, take courage and do all things in love; it is far too great a calling to do in my own effort.
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