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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Anger | Nikki Metzger
S~ Later when the anger of King Xerxes had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what he had decreed about her. Esther 2:1 (NIV)
O~ The King’s decree became a permanent law in this culture, he could never ever see his wife again. This verse makes me think that the king came to his senses after his anger was gone and possibly regretted the decision he made in the moment.
A~ Sometimes, I’m quick to do something in my anger. For example, my kids eating chips. That noise is so annoying and it strikes my anger button. I usually end up saying something rude or hurtful to my kids to get them to stop eating the chips. And later, long after the annoying chip eating sound is gone, I’m left with my hurtful words to my kids.
P~ Father, forgive me all those times that I’ve done this to the kids! Teach me about anger and the results that can happen when I operate angry….all the damage that I can do. I don’t want to be that way! I love You and pray this in Jesus’ Name!
Who? | Deanna George
S~ Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6 (NIV)
O~ Who should praise the Lord? EVERYONE!
A~ How to praise him? With instruments, singing, dancing ~ in other words with all of my being ~ from head to toe. I am not musically gifted, quite opposite really, but God created me this way. He knows my abilities, but he still wants me to praise him. Does that mean it will be pretty? No, not to man’s ear, but if it’s heartfelt and genuine it will be beautiful to God because I am being obedient. What is praise? It is giving glory and admiration. God deserves those. When I give God praise, I can’t help but feel empowered because he is on my side. No one is greater or more powerful to help me, and he is my corner to help me! For me it’s a win-win situation. I acknowledge God for all his greatness, and I get to experience his love, support, and guidance. It makes me want to jump up and down and conquer the day.
P~ Lord Jesus, thank you for being so awesome. I can’t do this life without you. Thank you for the bubbling excitement in my soul as I think about how I am going to praise you today. I have gotten out of the habit of praising you daily. I pray and thank you, but I forget the importance of praising you with the excitement and honor you deserve. I want this bubbling excitement in my soul to grow and thrive. It is time to celebrate you and your faithfulness to me. It is time to turn on the praise music and get back to singing to you all the time. No more worrying about how I sound, what others think of me, or if I am worthy. It’s not about me ~ IT’S ABOUT YOU! Love you God!
Praising Him | Joni Tyner
S~ Praise him with the tambourine and dancing.
Praise him with strings and flutes!
Praise him with a clash of cymbals;
Praise him with loud clanging cymbals. Psalm 150:4-5 (NLT)
O~ Psalm 150 is the last psalm in the book of psalms. I love how after all the chapters, it ends so simply—Praise Him!!!
A~ I think this scripture stood out this evening as I read it because we recently visited a church that is starting up near on the UNO campus that had REALLY LOUD music. My husband and I enjoy enthusiastic, Spirit-filled worship, but I must admit this was out of our comfort zone. Although we decided that this church isn’t a good fit for us on permanent basis, I am excited to see The Church think out of traditional format to love people to Jesus. Some people like it loud, (as the Psalm encourages!) some people like dancing, some people like traditional orchestra. And somehow, I believe Heaven will incorporate all of these styles into a sound so amazing, we will be beyond breathless by the magnitude of His Glory.
P~ Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of music!!!! I pray each reader embraces worship with a style that brings their heart closer to You. I also pray that I always remember to allow others the freedom to enjoy worship that might be different than my personal taste—it’s all for You.
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