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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One and only | Deanna George
S~ Midday passed, and they continued their frantic prophesying until the time for the evening sacrifice. But there was no response, no one answered, no one paid attention. 1 Kings 18:29 (NIV)
O~ This is the result of the prophets of Baal calling out to him to consume the sacrifice in fire. Who am I calling out to for hope, peace, and comfort? My family? My friends? My tribe? When I shift my focus to people on this earth, I find myself lonely, which then leads to a downward spiral of thinking no one notices me, cares if I am a part of their lives, or finds me worthy of their friendship. I find that no one responds, no one notices that I am swimming frantically to stay afloat, or I am just not my normal self. I start to wonder if I really have any friends or a tribe. It’s a vicious cycle that plays in my head. Today, I am reminded it is not their fault. It is my fault for placing that kind of importance on anyone or thing other than God. They are not God. They can’t see my heart or soul. Thankfully I am reminded that God burned up the sacrifice that was drenched in water. He can penetrate what I think is impossible to listen, comfort, and guide.
A~ I need to keep my focus on the source of my confidence. I need to claim Psalm 139. I need to think how God created me. He created me to know me. I always feel close when I treat him like a friend. When I feel close to God, then my mind doesn’t dwell on earthly relationships that may be lacking. Why can it be so easy to fall in the trap of looking to people for comfort? It’s my human nature. But thank you God for giving me a way out of that despair. Today, I am choosing to believe your word over my mind.
P~ Lord Jesus, I needed this today. Thank you for pointing out that it will be common to receive no answer, no response, or no attention from those around me. They are mere humans struggling in this life as well. They were not created to be my rock. Thank you for being my rock on which I can call on, chit chat with, and laugh with.
Whisper | Kim Chipman
S~ The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NIV)
O~ My study Bible says: ” Elijah knew that the sound of a gentle whisper was God’s voice. He realized that God doesn’t reveal Himself only in powerful, miraculous ways. To look for God only in something big (rallies, churches, conferences, highly visible leaders) may be to miss Him because He is often found gently whispering in the quietness of a humble heart. Are you listening for God? Step back from the noise and activity of your busy life and listen humbly and quietly for His guidance.”
A~ Getting my heart both quiet and humble is quite a feat and it is an ongoing pursuit. I wish I could do it once and it would just stay there, but that is absolutely not the case. I need to be attentive, focused, paying attention in order to hear Your voice. The world is loud.
P~ Lord, help me today to make the effort to hear Your whisper. I love You!
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