“There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42 (NLT) The heart of this ministry is to inspire a love for God’s Word and encourage the discipline of daily Bible reading and SOAP journaling. 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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Dealing with disappointment | guest post
S~ Instead, commission Joshua and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead the people across the Jordan. He will give them all the land you now see before you as their possession.’ ~God to Moses in Deuteronomy 3:28 (NLT)
O~ This is one of Moses’ last recaps to the people from God. Moses is telling and reminding the people of everything that happened in the last 40 years because all of the people’s parents were now dead. This verse describes what God told Moses to do because he wasn’t going into the promised land.
A~ 40 years Moses traveled and led this grumbly group of people. He did sin and now he isn’t going to the promised land. God tells him to encourage and strengthen the next leader who WILL lead them to the promised land. Ohhhh, the disappointment that Moses must have felt. And the righteous indignation of not getting into the promised land (well, Moses probably didn’t feel that, but I would have!)
Those are powerful feelings. I was disappointed, really disappointed about something in my career this week. Actually, disappointed and indignant that I didn’t even get ‘invited to the table’ so to speak. Why wasn’t I even allowed my chance? I would have been awesome at this particular task!
I don’t know why, but God knows why I didn’t get my chance. I don’t want to spend the next couple of weeks lamenting and being disappointed. It just takes up too much emotional energy. But I am sad, I really wanted to be a part of this project.
P~ God, I get Moses’ feelings. I didn’t get what I really wanted for my career. I am sad. I want You more though. I want Your plan instead of my plan. I trust that this (me not being a part of this project) is part of Your plan. God, I know I can’t trust my feelings…give me Your holy discernment when it comes to my work. God, please put all of my desires in alignment with Your plan. I pray this in Jesus’ Name!
Seeing is Believing | Robin Laney
S~ At that time I commanded Joshua: “You have seen with your own eyes all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings. The Lord will do the same to all the kingdoms over there where you are going. Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” Deuteronomy 3:21-22 (NIV)
O~ As the Israelites finished up their 40 year journey through the desert, Moses reminded them of all God had brought them through and all He had done for them. In the beginning of their journey, they were afraid to enter Canaan because the obstacles appeared too big for them to overcome. God told the older folks that they had squandered their opportunity but that the younger generation would experience the Promised Land in full. Joshua had been appointed to lead them and so God took the next forty years to show them His power and His providence. Moses lead the people into and through foreign lands as he was instructed by God. When the people obeyed, they were successful and when they didn’t they lost. The battles that were fought and won showed the people that where the Lord purposed, He also provided a way. As they prepared to cross the Jordan, Moses reminded them of what they had seen God do and assured them that God would continue to fight for them as they entered into this new land.
A~ When I was 17 years old I received an invitation, through a youth worship service, to follow Christ. I wasn’t sure exactly what that meant for my life except that the pastor was very clear in letting me know that it would mean giving up the life I was living at the time. I experienced a physical and emotional response that night as tears flowed and I held tightly to the chair in front of me with shaking hands. I wanted to say, “Yes,” but the thought of losing all that I thought I had was too big of a risk. The obstacles seemed huge; I might lose my friends, my family wouldn’t understand, I would have to give up drinking which, for me at the time, was an escape from trouble at home. I didn’t realize how much more God had to offer.
For the next twelve years, I lived my life the way I wanted. I made choices that were beneficial and ones that were hurtful, leaving ugly scars. I did things that might have made God happy and things that I know grieved Him deeply. I never considered Him in any of my plans and I’m sure I did plenty of complaining when things didn’t go my way. And, still, He provided for me. As I look back, as Moses did, I am reminded how He protected me and patiently waited for me even as he fervently pursued my heart. He showed me amazing miracles through the births of our two oldest children and gave me great gifts one of which was my incredible husband. He placed people in my life who loved Him and who taught me about the abundant life He had for me. He prepared me to enter into a life of abundance and purpose.
Like the Israelites, he didn’t abandon me when I went my own way. He took the time to show me His great love and power so that, when the time was right, He could shower me with the fullness of life He intended for me from the beginning. I am so thankful for God’s great Grace and Mercy on me.
P~ Father, I could spend every waking moment I have left on this earth considering and not even beginning to comprehend the depth of Your love for me. Please help me to never take my life for granted by always keeping in my memory all of the wonderful things You have done. Remind me often of the places in my journey where You carried me, covered me, provided for me. Remembering what I have seen You do with my own eyes, I will be encouraged and strengthened in the face of new challenges and opportunities. I am thankful that You know me so well and are willing to show Yourself to me so clearly!
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