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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Praying for Words | Joni Tyner
S~ And pray for me too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. Ephesians 6:19 (NLT)
O~ Paul is chained up in jail yet his prayer request is for God to speak through him. My Bible notes say that we should also pray that God will accomplish his plan through us right where we are.
A~ I’ve been think more about prayer lately and I’ve found that writing them down helps me to put the focus back on God. I’ve been asking God frequently to give me eyes and ears to see His kingdom work and that I would have time, availability, joy and even FUN as I serve Him. I also pray that I have words that are said to others that encourage and lift them up and help them in their own faith walk. I don’t think it’s wrong to pray for our circumstances, but I do know in my own life, I’ve grown most when I pray to be a vessel and by used by God to reach other people.
P~ Dear Lord, please use me as Your vessel to grow your Kingdom and encourage Your people. I pray for clear eyes and ears and sensitivity to see opportunities that I can be used by You. I ask for discernment for the best YES so that I don’t grow weary. Fuel my passion to love other people as well as reading your Word. I boldly ask that I overflow with Joy and fun and even laughter as I use my gifts to serve You. I don’t want to burn out or see people as projects, please give me the strength and energy to be available for as long as You need me.
The Real Enemy | Kim Chipman
S~ For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
O~ This section of the chapter is about putting on the whole armor of God.
A~ …but FIRST, let’s identify the enemy! We are NOT fighting flesh and blood – my husband, my kids (even that really sassy one!), that person in my family that hurt me but won’t own it (because they are never wrong!), that guy at church that thinks he’s all that, that gal I work with that doesn’t do her fair share, that relative that grates my very last nerve at every family gathering, that friend on facebook with their passive/aggressive comments – not the enemy. They feel like it sometimes, but they are NOT. They probably feel like I am sometimes, too!
I am (we all are) fighting a battle I can’t see in the spiritual realm. I’ve been listening to a series of podcasts by Rick Warren called “The Invisible War”. He breaks down the battles we all face and how to live in victory through Christ. (really, really good stuff!)
The truth is, the evil one will do anything he can to pull me away from Your best for my life. Anything. When I don’t stay focused on You and Your truth he wins a battle here and there…thankfully I know who wins the war!
P~ Help me to remember that people – however difficult they may be – are NOT the enemy. Help me to keep focused on You and Your truth. I love You!
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