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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Pray Like You Mean It | Kelley Deases
S~ When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4 (NIV)
O~ Nehemiah had just learned the Jewish remnant who had survived the exile were “in great trouble and disgrace.” He also learned the wall surrounding the city of Jerusalem was broken down and its gates burned. Nehemiah was deeply grieved for God’s people and His holy city. He feared without the walls, the Jews would assimilate into the surrounding nations. It was his fervent plea to the Lord that this battered and bruised remnant would be restored as God’s chosen people, and restored to their former sense of purpose and hope.
A~ We heard an amazing guest pastor speak at our church a couple weeks ago, talking about the purposes for prayer. He offered gripping example after example of God’s intervention into the plight of human lives when people committed themselves to seeking His face. After the service, my husband and I had a chance to visit with him for a few minutes and he shared yet another story. It seems some years prior, his oldest son had gotten on a bad path and had strayed from his family and his faith. This pastor and his wife were so desperate for the return of their prodigal son, they committed themselves to a course of prayer and fasting for his very soul. They alternated days where one spouse would fast one day and the other the next. This went on for years (!) until, at last, their son was restored back into the fold. O what love! O what faith!
P~ Father, Thank You for these models of faith and fervent prayer I have in Nehemiah and this pastor from Arizona. Help me to pray with full expectation that You will move in mighty ways.
Unity | Kim Chipman
S~ How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1 (NIV)
O~ You want us to live in unity. Jesus prayed and asked for us to tighten the bonds of unity. Not focusing on differences or creating division, but grace and love!
A~ I’m camping right now with my son’s friends and their families. The unity is precious! Bonds of friendship, relationship, making memories and laughing. So sweet. It is good and pleasant! (and A LOT of fun!)
P~ I love sweet fellowship with Your people! Thank You for it! I pray I could choose unity in times that it isn’t as easy as it is right now. Help me to do that please. I love you!
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