“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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Break My Heart | Kimi Miller
S~ This is what the LORD says – your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.” Isaiah 48:17 (NLT)
O~ You are a good and wise teacher – and You can be trusted. You are faithful and just. You lead me in ways of everlasting. You lead with love – because that is Who You are. While my training has been difficult and hard at times, You never give up on me. You keep encouraging me – calling more out of me – and filling me with more of You.
A~ You lead, I follow. It’s when I run ahead of You, that I often become lost, discouraged, and exhausted. But even that – You use to teach me. Slowly, more slowly than I’d prefer, I’m learning to keep pace with You. I get discouraged, but not You. You see my progress. You see my heart and it’s motive(s). If there is anything in my heart that isn’t pure, You find ways to pull it out – even if it means we have to take a break from the path; if we have to sit down and work it out.
The destination is already set; You’re concerned about what my heart looks like when I get there. In the end, my heart will be tattered and torn, but made beautiful for You. Each tear and each piece missing will have been pieces we (You and me) gave away together. You make my heart like Yours – and then You invite me to give it away. My tattered and torn heart will be a symbol of Your love – like Your body on the cross – given freely, not without pain, for the sake of others. My heart – broken for You and the people You love.
P~ Break my heart, Jesus. Take out the selfish pieces and instead fill those spaces with Your gracious and generous love for others. Help me love like You do.
Engraved in the Palm of Your Hand | John Deases
S~ See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. Isaiah 49:16 (NIV)
O~ The Lord is speaking of the restoration of Israel in this passage. In verse sixteen, it says the Lord has engraved them (Israel) on the palms of his hands. I believe the engraving is speaking of the piercing of Jesus Christ’s hands while being on the cross at Calvary (Golgotha) outside Jerusalem. The piercing of the hands of Jesus Christ allowed for all mankind to have their names engraved.
A~ Some time ago, I got a chance to go to a pizza place with my son. Upon entering the pizza place, we were stamped with UV ink. When I asked about this procedure, it was explained to me this method is designed to ensure safety for all. How the system works is if somebody tries to leave the pizza place with the wrong child, then the staff member at the door is to question the discrepancy. This safety measure offers peace of mind; I know my child is somewhat protected from leaving without my knowledge. Kudos to this establishment for attempting to keep children safe.
Perhaps in a similar fashion, once a person puts their trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, they are engraved in the palms of His hands. And like the pizza place, our safety is ensured while we stay in His will. We get to enjoy all the benefits of the Christian life so long as we find our rest in Him. But once we leave His will, we become vulnerable to the dangers of the world around us.
P~ Thanks be to a Creator who loves His children so much He engraves them on the palms of His hands. It’s like the person who puts a tattoo on their body to remind them of their children who are near and dear to them. I believe the” hands” are significant because it serves as a constant reminder of those who are beloved. In other words, the engraving of our name is always before Him, so our Heavenly Father sees us continuously. I am engraved on the palms of Your hands because You (Jesus Christ) willingly accepted the engraving of Your hands for me.
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