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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Not as they do | Marisa Tomlinson
S~ They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless. They imitated the nations around them although the Lord had ordered them, ‘Do not do as they do.’ 2 Kings 17:15 (NIV)
O~ The nation of Israel- God’s chosen people- turned their backs on Him for generations and followed the ways of the nations around them. Therefore, God turned His back on them.
A/P~ Lord, protect me from the easy path of following the norm. Teach me to see what You would have me do. It’s so easy to let others influence me. Help us to do what’s right instead of what’s popular. I can never be worthless in Your eyes because Jesus covers my sin. I am so grateful for that fact. I know that without Him I would be just like the Israelites; drawn into the “everybody does it” mentality. Thank you for the constant grace and course correction. My heart is yours. Amen.
Does Your Mess Define or Refine You? | Joni Tyner
S~ Even during this time of trouble, King Ahaz continued to reject the Lord. 2 Chronicles 28:22 (NLT)
O~ King Ahaz was raised with godly influence but became very evil. He even sacrificed some of his own children in Baal worship.
A~ In my study Bible, it uses King Ahaz as an example of what can happen when difficulties and mistakes happen to us. It can either devastate our faith and destroy us, or it can stimulate growth and maturity. Positive outcomes happen when we humbly seek God’s help, when we choose to lean into adversity…
I have heard it said that when troubles come, when we have a big mess, we can either be defined by it, or refined. If we are defined by it, we end up with that identity, we are the person who had ___________ happen. If we are refined by our mess, we emerge stronger and better for it. We use the mess to grow our faith and reach out to others.
P~ Dear Lord, it hard to go through messy stuff. It just is. I don’t like it—AT ALL!!! Still, You use it all for better good, for me to cling more closely to You. Thank you for loving me so much that You weren’t content to leave me alone, but desired for me to grow and be used by You. I trust You for all of this mess. You make beauty from the ashes.
Hidden Sin | Kim Chipman
S~ Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. 1 Timothy 5:24 (NLT)
O/A~ It is so easy to judge, to come to conclusions about people based on what I see or perceive. The truth is, however, that I shouldn’t and can’t do that. Only You know the heart. And in mine, there is sin that no one knows about but You and me…but we both know it’s there. I’ve come to learn how empty the approval of people is…I can’t be after their approval and truly be Your servant (Gal 1:10). Who cares if my life looks great but it isn’t genuine? You want my whole heart. I have so much I hang on to and won’t give You…why do I do that? You want what’s best for me.
P~ I want to shine Your light and bring many to You. Help me to purify my heart and live a life purely sacrificial for You and Your glory…no hidden sin that could hinder Your love and Your light from shining through. Help me to remember my hidden sin so I can love others with greater compassion and less judgement. I love You!
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