“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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LIFE! | Kim Chipman
S~ he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. Deuteronomy 32:46-47a (NIV)
O~ Your Word is LIFE. Not just idle words…LIFE. John 8:31-32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (it isn’t just the existence of truth that sets us free. It is holding to Your teaching…take to heart all the words…obey them) John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
A~ In order to be set free and grab hold of the life You died for me to have I need to not only know Your Word, but also DO what it says and pass it along to my children. Then enemy wants to steal, kill and destroy, but You came to bring LIFE. There have been and still are times in my life that I resist Your guidance. I resist obedience. I don’t want the constraints or discipline. But the guardrails are for my good. Obeying carefully brings LIFE.
P~ Thank You for repeating again and again that You give me the choice and reminding me that choosing well is for my own good. Somehow I think I know better (duh). I need You. I need Your Word. I love You!
Does Grace Give us a Free Pass?—NO!! | Joni Tyner
S~ Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Romans 6:15 (NLT)
O~ 1. God’s grace forgives sins. (Grace means we did nothing to earn forgiveness. God forgives us because that is who He is.)
2. Humans sin. All the time. Sin is both intentional and non-intentional. (Romans 3:10-12, 23)
3. True believers (Christ followers) can not lose their salvation by sinning, back sliding or messing up. (John 10:28-29)
4. God’s plan for every believer’s life is that they live a life of righteous living, not being a slave to sin. (Romans6:18)
A~ I have observed two opinions by people that relate to sin. I think both of these lifestyles keep people from living an abundant life. The first one is that some people seem to take God’s grace for granted. Perhaps they have been raised in church and have always felt loved and forgiven by God. They intentionally sin, or perhaps don’t try to avoid sin because they feel secure in their salvation. I believe these people are missing out on many blessings that come from striving to live an obedient life. God wants to richly bless us; this comes from abiding in Him. It comes from growing closer, becoming more Christ-like. We will never obtain perfection but we do NOT need to be a slave to sin. The Bible is very clear. God HATES sin. 1 Corinthians 3:12-14 teaches us that on Judgement Day God will determine whether or not a person has been faithful. Our good works will be rewarded. It talks about the “The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames”. (v. 15).
I once heard a comparison to a Christian’s life about what happens at a graduation ceremony. There are some there who barely make it. They didn’t always come to class, they didn’t have the best grades, and perhaps their behavior wasn’t always the best. They don’t receive offers of scholarships. They don’t get special recognition. And, there are a few kids at the graduation ceremony that get special recognition. They did many good things while they were in school. They did their homework, participated in extra-curricular activities, they got A’s in their classes, even honor’s classes! These kids not only graduated, but they received many blessings along the way. They had rich school experiences and built lifelong relationships with other people. They received honor at the ceremony and scholarship opportunities. Everyone at the graduation ceremony received a diploma but the experiences and rewards were much different. And, sadly, there are some at the graduation ceremony that didn’t make it. They are is the audience section and are looking at what they missed. There is regret and “what might have beens” in their life. They were a part of the education process, went to the same classes, but didn’t finish. They got distracted and perhaps thought their plan to “make it” was better than sticking out the discipline of going to school each day.
The second group of people continue to be in bondage to sin because of feeling worthless. Their past is full of big mistakes and sin, they have shame and regret. They too, miss out on God’s blessings of the freedom that Christ gives. They don’t embrace their future with Christ, but continue to be overshadowed by their sin. They never live out their purpose that God created for them.
P~ Lord, I don’t want to EVER take your grace for granted. I desire to be in close fellowship with You. Tonight I pray for those who are believe in Your resurrection but are still slaves to their sins. I pray the Holy Spirit empowers them to live a victorious life!! I also pray for those who live in shame, regret and fear. Pour joy and freedom into their hearts. I pray they may live an abundant life in You.
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