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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Teachable Moment | Kelley Deases
S~ Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Colossians 3:22 (NIV)
O~ Throughout Scripture, God commands us as His children to submit to the authority in place over us — wives to husbands, children to parents, citizens to the local and national government. And not just when we agree with the ruler or the rule.
A~ Yesterday, I was able to take advantage of a teachable moment with my son. (This is a bonus; sometimes I miss the opportunity!) We began talking about which teacher he may get for fourth grade at his school. (A win-win proposition really!) He mentioned his experience with one teacher at the school in the lunch room and at after-lunch recess. My son expressed his dissatisfaction with the way she handled discipline: For one, they have enforced silent time during lunch. He can’t understand why he can’t talk to his friends while they eat their meal. This teacher routinely will hold the entire two grades back from going out to recess as a consequence of one or two kids talking rather than just addressing the offending students. He also questioned whether shortening outdoor/run around time was the best idea for a punishment. In truth, I agreed with him on all three points, and I told him so. However, I went on to say how we all have to submit to authority, even if we disagree with the rule. Even Jesus, when on earth as a man, submitted to those in power “over Him.”
P~ Father, I am grateful for these moments when I can speak upon Your Name and teach my son “the way in which he should go.” He won’t always follow this path — nor does his mommy — but because of Your Word, he can know right from wrong as he navigates his way through life.
Be Renewed | Kim Chipman
S~ Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Colossians 3:10 (NLT)
O~ Paul is talking about how Christians should behave (or NOT behave). Choose faith rather than sin, sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, dirty language, lying and wicked deeds. Live out what your believe – “put it on”
A~ If I really believe – You came for me, You died for me – for ME – if I really believe that – and I do – then my life should look like it. You show me amazing grace and mercy that I do not deserve. If I become more and more like You then I should become more and more a person who shows grace and mercy (even when people don’t deserve it!)
The other reminder is that I need renewing – refreshing – refueling. I am in a process of learning to know You. We all are. Being a Christian isn’t about arriving somewhere – it’s a process – learning, becoming like You…it’s a relationship, a connection –
P~ Thank You for being so merciful to me, for being tangible, real and alive. I love You.
God’s Wardrobe | Joni Tyner
S~ Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 (NLT)
O~ Paul is writing this letter. I love the beginning, “God chose us.” This was His divine plan, He loves His chosen people. I need to rest in that truth alone.
A~ For the past 18 months, I’ve been mentoring a teen girl who has been abandoned by her birth family and then two different adoptive families. She recently had a baby and, quite honestly, I was a little nervous if she would be able to love this precious child. Her life has been filled with disappointment and difficulty. She has not had Christian love modeled in her life. I didn’t know if she would be gentle and patient and tenderhearted. I’m very proud of her, she is a great mommy; God is helping her fill in the gaps from her past.
As I look and hold this little one, I feel such tenderness for her. We gently hold her and put her in her carseat. Karina is patient with her as this newborn screams to nurse on demand. She is gentle with tenderhearted love.
As I thought about this verse this morning, I thought about how easy it is to be gentle and tender and patient with a helpless newborn, but so NOT with other people that I expect to know better. People who are rude, selfish and inconsiderate. Yet, God is telling me clothe myself with mercy. The words “Clothe myself” jump out at me because I always wear clothes. I wear my clothes on good days, busy days, crabby days, I would never go anywhere without them. (‘cept maybe a quick streak to the bathroom in the middle of the night!) I always have my clothes on. So, I think God wants us to always have these characteristics.
P~ Dear Lord, Colossians 3 is my goal, I want to always live with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. I want to make allowances and tolerant other peoples faults, (v 13). I want to be a forgiving person. I want to have peace through living and understanding Your Word.(v 15) And thankful, yes I want to have a thankful heart for all you’ve given me. I fall waaaay short in these characteristics, especially with my kids. I pray for more patience with them, more tenderness. I also pray for this precious baby that represents a fresh beginning for Karina. I pray for continued growth for her as she learns to love her little one like You love her.
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