“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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The Comparison Trap | Kimi Miller
S~ And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David. 1 Samuel 18:9 (NIV)
O~ Oh the comparison trap! Saul felt so threatened (jealous) of David that his thoughts turned from God, and all his energy was focused on controlling the situation and David.
A~ How many things, blessings, and relationships have I missed out on because I was jealous? Because I felt threatened by the other person and my own insecurities? Comparison is a thief! It steals our focus and causes us to exhaust ourselves by trying harder to be better. But better than who?
The truth is, we will never be better – or the best, because we were never made to compare ourselves to others. We were each uniquely created by His design to fulfill His purpose for our lives. Comparison is a trap that grabs hold of our thoughts and prevents us from seeing clearly. When we compare ourselves to others, we are measuring ourselves against a false standard. Instead, we should not compare ourselves to others, but to what God says about us. And that is found in His Word. That is why it is so important to read His word daily, so that we (I) can be reminded of how much He loves me. Simply because He does.
P~ Dear Heavenly Father, You know how quickly my mind goes to comparison. Please free me from this trap. Help me to see myself as you see me. I love you. Amen
Wind At Our Backs | Kelley Deases
S~ In everything he [David] did he had great success, because the Lord was with him. 1 Samuel 18:14 (NIV)
O~ This verse reminds me of another verse from the Psalms, one of my favorite promises in God’s Word: “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Ps. 37:4 When we align our desires and our lives with God’s will for us, it is like the wind at our backs. He gives us strength and forward momentum we would not otherwise possess. (Conversely, when we stubbornly insist on our own agenda, especially one which runs counter to His purposes, we will face resistance and our steps will feel like a steep, uphill climb.)
A~ John and I are experiencing the sensation of the wind at our backs right now, which we attribute to God blessing us as we step out to minister to others. As we make even small sacrifices to open our home for Bible studies, bring a family dinner, attend the funeral for a good friend’s relative, share a message with a group of high school students or encourage a coworker in their marriage and their walk with God, we are blessed by hearing powerful testimonies and receiving encouragement and inspiration to do more. “Blessed to be a blessing” indeed!
P~ Father, I humbly thank You for this (often messy, but) beautiful life!
This hurtful moment | guest post
S~ The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right. Psalm 11:2 (NLT)
O~ Oh, the piercing arrows that are shot right at you, especially when you can’t see them coming and they blindside you!
A~ Today I feel like I’ve been shot at with arrows, not by a stranger, but by a loved one. It hurts.
P~ Father, help! What do I do in this moment of being shot at? Where are You? How do I show love in this situation? I’m really overwhelmed and need Your protection and guidance! I pray this in Jesus’ Name! Amen!
Day By Day | Kim Chipman
S~ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)
O~ It is easy to become discouraged. “In this world you will have trouble…” John 16:33
A~ This is a powerful reminder to me to continue reading Your Word, praying, and taking my thoughts captive DAILY. The outward can become messy, but if I’m being inwardly renewed I will not lose heart. I will have the strength and stamina to do life well.
P~ Thank You for the power of Your Word and Spirit. I truly would never want to do this life without You. I love You!
Later in the day I listened to this sermon podcast while I was walking…wow great stuff and reinforced what I read in the morning!
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