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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Immediate Obedience | Deanna George
S~ “Simon answered, “Master, weʼve worked hard all night and havenʼt caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Luke 5:5 (NIV)
O~ Immediate obedience even when it contradicted what he knew.
A~ I desire to have the immediate obedience like Simon had, even when I don’t think it’s going to do anything or be worth anything. I need to reject what my head is telling me and trust what God is telling me. I need to act in faith.
P~ Lord Jesus, I am going to pay close attention to what you are asking me to do. I am going to act on it. I am going to put my faith into action. I have to actively choose to obey you. Open my ears! Give me strength to face my fears that are holding me back.
Obedience | Marisa Tomlinson
S~ When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me Lord; I am a sinful man!’ Luke 5:8 (NIV)
O~ When faced with the glory and power of Jesus, Simon Peter immediately recognized his sin. When Jesus told him to let down his nets after a long night of unsuccessful fishing it would have been easy to question. I know I would have said something like, “Jesus, I’ve been out there all night. There are no fish. Are you sure I should try again?” Simon Peter immediately listened and witnessed the power of Jesus. Would I have missed out because of my questioning nature?
A~ When I recognize how AWESOME God is, I, like Peter, recognize just how sinful I am. Still, Simon Peter immediately obeyed Jesus’ command. I sometimes willingly ignore God’s prompting and sometimes I DON’T EVEN HEAR HIM. I don’t deserve the grace He freely offers. It’s easy to push God away when we feel like we don’t deserve what He offers. The devil whispers that it’s better to hide and sink into my shell than to admit to God what I’ve done. Internally, I’m beating myself up. This is exactly where Satan wants me; berating myself and not focusing on the redemptive grace of Christ. It’s hard to admit sin and repent, but it’s so worth it. The first time I really felt and understood grace and forgiveness it was so freeing. I do still mess up all the time, but I know that my God is waiting with open arms to pick me up, not to scold me. Why I let Satan whisper in my ear is beyond me.
P~ Heavenly Father, I am so grateful that you offer unconditional love and grace. Please help me have a heart like Simon Peter’s. Let me hear you and immediately obey. Love you.
Withdraw Often | Kim Chipman
S~ But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:16 (NIV)
O~ Jesus is my perfect example. He is the One I can look to for how to live my life.
A~ This time of year gets crazy busy. It’s all good things, it’s just a lot of things. Same with Jesus during this time…v15…”crowds of people came to hear Him and be cured of their sicknesses.” All good things, but lots of things.
Like Jesus I need to withdraw OFTEN and ALONE to pray. I tend to be a DOer. Jesus did a lot of stuff, too, but there’s no indication that He was frantic, hurried, stressed out or exhausted. In fact, I admire how well He was interrupted. He wasn’t annoyed or irritated (unlike me most of the time!). I think this is the key – alone time with the Father to pray. Alone. Withdrawn. Often. Quiet my heart.
P~ Lord, help me to follow Jesus’ example in this practice. My strength comes from You. I need You, especially when life gets crazy and the pressure is on. I can’t respond like You unless I spend time with You. Thank You for Your Word. I love You!
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