“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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Who gets the credit? | guest post
S~ Jonathan attacked and defeated the garrison of Philistines at Geba. 1 Samuel 13:3 (NLT)
All Israel heard the news that Saul had destroyed the Philistine garrison at Geba. 1 Samuel 13:4 (NLT)
O~ I’m really not sure of Israelite custom for the king to get credit for a specific attack or not. According to verse 4, the story that swept through the countryside was that Saul had led the attack, but we really know that Jonathan defeated the garrison.
A~ This speaks to Saul’s character, he wanted credit for himself. He looked at himself first, even before his son, Jonathan! Maybe there was fear that he wouldn’t be able to win and that’s why he didn’t attack the garrison first? Maybe Saul didn’t attack the garrison because he was relying on his own strength and not God’s strength?
Maybe a month ago, my heart was stirred to really start praying for Jesus to help me carry my cross and just let my selfish desires to be put to death. God, You are so good in answering that prayer! Gently, He has been revealing those selfish desires and the heart they come from.
These verses about Saul desiring the glory for the attack reveal selfishness, but it’s not just Saul, it’s me too! I desire glory as well, for many things….but those things I want glory for, it’s not really mine, it’s His!
P~ I see it now, my selfishness. I was trying to cover it up, but now that it’s in the light, You can teach me, change me. Please fill me with humbleness and just remove that pride! I want You more than I want to be known, let that be my heart song! I love You! In Your Name I pray! Amen!
Commissioning | Kelley Deases
S~ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)
O~ These words were written by the Apostle Paul to the Church in Corinth, toward the end of his letter to them. He has admonished the people and encouraged them to go higher as they walk out their faith in Christ Jesus. These words are like a final charge, akin to that a speaker might offer at a graduation ceremony to those heading out into the world to take their place. Paul emphasizes the high points of his message, in bullet-point fashion.
A~ My ladies’ Bible study group meets for the last time today, as we will break for the summer and resume our weekly sessions in the fall. When I read Paul’s words, I felt they were a fitting prayer as we part company: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” I pray that as we are intentional to maintain relationship over the summer months, we will encourage and hold one another accountable in these things.
P~ Father, You have richly blessed me by putting these amazing women in my life. What’s more, You have given my husband a new band of Christian brothers. We thank You and vow to try to steward these relationships well.
Living Out My Faith | Joni Tyner
S~ Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NLT)
O~ Paul is finishing up 1 Corinthians and summarizing the most important themes to remember. As many people have said, — faith is simple but not easy.
A/P~ Dear Lord, I ask for You Holy Spirit to help me recognize sin and then avoid it!!! Pour courage and strength into my soul –I NEED Your help because I so often get intimidated by people and act anything but strong or courageous. I also pray for a heart that sees all humans the way You see them, especially people that think or act differently than me. I pray You will empower me to love others in a tangible way that always points to You.
Our team would love the privilege of praying for you! Please share how we can lift you in prayer at prayer@DiscoverOneThing.com
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