My SOAP devotional for May 20th
S - Psalm 13
1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
4 my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD,
for he has been good to me.
O - In this Psalm David the author is not afraid to pour out his anguish at the Lord's feet. He asks "how long" 4 times in the first 2 verses. We see the depth of his distress and yet as he prays we see him regain his hope in the Lord. David finds strength in prayer and a focus on the "big picture." David was impatient and yet he trusted that God would carry out His plans for David's life, in spite of his perceptions in the here and now...the struggles that David faced with his enemies.
A - This is so my life right now. The enemy would have me believe that I have enemies here on earth. At times it seems that I have been defeated and that the Lord is not acting on my behalf like I would like Him to. I find myself falling into that trap of wondering where God is at work in my life???? And yet at the same time, I know I can pray and bring my burdens to God's feet. I am hopeful and confident that He hears me when I cry out to Him. In my despair He reminds me that He is holding me up. And I have peace to focus on the promise that He has a plan and purpose for my life.
P - This is my prayer Lord Jesus. That I would simply trust in you. That I would sing praise, even in the midst of feeling overwhelmed and overburdened, because you are so good to me. I see your blessings and I give you praise. In the words of "Johnny Appleseed": The Lord is good to me, and so I thank the Lord, for giving me the things I need, the sun and the rain and the apple seed. The Lord is good to me! Amen.
Showing posts with label trust. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trust. Show all posts
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
A leader trusts in the Lord
This is my SOAP devotional for 4/15 - I find it ironic that I would read this on "tax day" when many were protesting the actions of the govt. with "tea parties". I too may not agree with the choices of govt. but it is important to remember that all leaders need our prayers more than anything else we do.
S - Psalm 21:7
For the king trusts in the LORD;
through the unfailing love of the Most High
he will not be shaken.
O - Even kings who have great power to determine the actions of their subjects on this earth should trust in the Lord. Just as we read about Pilate giving in to the demands of the people, a good leader seeks God's wisdom instead of popularity, or power. God pours out His love on those that seek Him, and He keeps them from stumbling. In fact, the Lord's love is great for ALL...most especially those that put aside their personal desires and seek His guidance.
A - In a leadership role (parent, music teacher, community leader, bible teacher, etc.) I must be seeking God's wisdom in ALL things, even when I feel confident and secure in my decision making. Even when decisions seem "biblically obvious". God only allows those that He wants in power to remain in power. Therefore, I must be in prayer for ALL leaders in business, in politics, in our schools, in our communities...all of these need our prayers to seek God's wisdom, regardless of whether we agree with their decisions.
P - Lord, you promise that when I seek you with my whole heart, you are there. Just as I already prayed that I would not be subject to pressure from others, will you help me be the leader that YOU desire me to be, taking a stand to embrace YOUR standards, even when it's hard? Will you help me remember to be in prayer for all leaders in my community and in government, even when I believe they are not seeking YOUR wisdom? May I be patient to know that YOU have placed them in leadership for a reason. Your ways and wisdom, and your unfailing love are ALWAYS good. Just like the song says, "How many kings would come down from their throne to die for me?" You alone did that for me and for ALL of us! Oh, that I would be humble to remember your sacrifice and live my life with this same humility. Amen.
S - Psalm 21:7
For the king trusts in the LORD;
through the unfailing love of the Most High
he will not be shaken.
O - Even kings who have great power to determine the actions of their subjects on this earth should trust in the Lord. Just as we read about Pilate giving in to the demands of the people, a good leader seeks God's wisdom instead of popularity, or power. God pours out His love on those that seek Him, and He keeps them from stumbling. In fact, the Lord's love is great for ALL...most especially those that put aside their personal desires and seek His guidance.
A - In a leadership role (parent, music teacher, community leader, bible teacher, etc.) I must be seeking God's wisdom in ALL things, even when I feel confident and secure in my decision making. Even when decisions seem "biblically obvious". God only allows those that He wants in power to remain in power. Therefore, I must be in prayer for ALL leaders in business, in politics, in our schools, in our communities...all of these need our prayers to seek God's wisdom, regardless of whether we agree with their decisions.
P - Lord, you promise that when I seek you with my whole heart, you are there. Just as I already prayed that I would not be subject to pressure from others, will you help me be the leader that YOU desire me to be, taking a stand to embrace YOUR standards, even when it's hard? Will you help me remember to be in prayer for all leaders in my community and in government, even when I believe they are not seeking YOUR wisdom? May I be patient to know that YOU have placed them in leadership for a reason. Your ways and wisdom, and your unfailing love are ALWAYS good. Just like the song says, "How many kings would come down from their throne to die for me?" You alone did that for me and for ALL of us! Oh, that I would be humble to remember your sacrifice and live my life with this same humility. Amen.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Mission Impossible Faith
My SOAP devotional for Jan. 26th
S - Genesis 24:10-14, 26-27
"Then the servant took ten of his master's (Abraham's)camels and left, taking with him all kinds of good things from his master. He set out for Aram Naharaim and made his way to the town of Nahor. He had the camels kneel down near the well outside the town; it was toward evening, the time the women go out to draw water. Then he prayed, 'O LORD, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a girl, 'Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, 'Drink, and I'll water your camels too'-let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master."
"Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD, saying, 'Praise be to the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master's relatives."
O - The servant that goes out to find a wife for Isaac is a strong believer. The servant was in some respects not living in Abraham's household by his own will, because he is a servant, but yet he embraces fully his God. He has so much faith in fact that he believes that God will prompt the RIGHT girl that will say exactly the RIGHT thing, and also happen to be one of Abraham's relatives. This is what he sees as success. He is giving God a tall order and we see the miracle, by my definition, that God delivers exactly what he asks for. In addition, the servant gives God the credit and praise for his provision. Later in this passage, Rebekah is happy to go with this stranger because she too is perhaps inspired by the faith of this servant and sees how God is at work in her life as well.
A - This passage reminds me of the Tom Cruise Mission:Impossible movies when the bad guy says "go to this certain street corner and ask the man on the bench for a stick of gum" and then it happens to be exactly the RIGHT guy who wisks him away to meet this secret person. I always thought it wouldn't be a very good movie if it ended up being the wrong guy and he actually hands him a stick of gum. Tom Cruise would be left standing there blowing bubbles. Actually, that would probably be the Ben Stiller version.
I think this is an interesting passage because we have to be careful not to be selfish in our requests of God. When we ask for too many specifics we are perhaps trying to put God in a box...please do this, but only if this happens. On the other hand, I think that it is important that I make specific requests of God and ask Him to give me a clear sign when He is working in my life, just as Abraham's servant did. It is important to know who's voice you're listening to...even the enemy knows my desires and offers good things. All too often however I am afraid to make requests that are not in line with God's plan so I don't make them, or I make requests that are attached to a selfish agenda, and I am disappointed when I don't get the answer I want or the answer doesn't come at the right time. I must do both...ask and believe, with an attitude of acceptance in His provision. We can only find true peace in God's plan when we believe in the power that we are asking for and trust Him to work in our best interest, down to the small details like providing gum from some guy on a park bench. Sometimes our requests might seem like "mission impossible" but that is only because our sight is limited. God sees all things and I can find satisfaction in knowing that the plan He has laid out for my life is the BEST plan, regardless of whether it's what I've requested or not. I think the key is trust. Do I trust God enough to be bold in my request and then hand it over to Him to work it out?
P - I do believe Lord that I have a strong faith. I believe your promises and that you have my best interest at heart. At times though, God, I have in my heart requests that seem too detailed and too "impossible". I should not be afraid to ask you, nor should I doubt that you would grant these requests if they are in line with your word and your will for my life. I pray Lord that I am always seeking your voice and that you would give me clear signs that you are speaking and moving in my life so that I can give you the credit and all the glory. At the same time, may I always accept with grace when your answer is no. Amen.
S - Genesis 24:10-14, 26-27
"Then the servant took ten of his master's (Abraham's)camels and left, taking with him all kinds of good things from his master. He set out for Aram Naharaim and made his way to the town of Nahor. He had the camels kneel down near the well outside the town; it was toward evening, the time the women go out to draw water. Then he prayed, 'O LORD, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a girl, 'Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, 'Drink, and I'll water your camels too'-let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master."
"Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD, saying, 'Praise be to the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master's relatives."
O - The servant that goes out to find a wife for Isaac is a strong believer. The servant was in some respects not living in Abraham's household by his own will, because he is a servant, but yet he embraces fully his God. He has so much faith in fact that he believes that God will prompt the RIGHT girl that will say exactly the RIGHT thing, and also happen to be one of Abraham's relatives. This is what he sees as success. He is giving God a tall order and we see the miracle, by my definition, that God delivers exactly what he asks for. In addition, the servant gives God the credit and praise for his provision. Later in this passage, Rebekah is happy to go with this stranger because she too is perhaps inspired by the faith of this servant and sees how God is at work in her life as well.
A - This passage reminds me of the Tom Cruise Mission:Impossible movies when the bad guy says "go to this certain street corner and ask the man on the bench for a stick of gum" and then it happens to be exactly the RIGHT guy who wisks him away to meet this secret person. I always thought it wouldn't be a very good movie if it ended up being the wrong guy and he actually hands him a stick of gum. Tom Cruise would be left standing there blowing bubbles. Actually, that would probably be the Ben Stiller version.
I think this is an interesting passage because we have to be careful not to be selfish in our requests of God. When we ask for too many specifics we are perhaps trying to put God in a box...please do this, but only if this happens. On the other hand, I think that it is important that I make specific requests of God and ask Him to give me a clear sign when He is working in my life, just as Abraham's servant did. It is important to know who's voice you're listening to...even the enemy knows my desires and offers good things. All too often however I am afraid to make requests that are not in line with God's plan so I don't make them, or I make requests that are attached to a selfish agenda, and I am disappointed when I don't get the answer I want or the answer doesn't come at the right time. I must do both...ask and believe, with an attitude of acceptance in His provision. We can only find true peace in God's plan when we believe in the power that we are asking for and trust Him to work in our best interest, down to the small details like providing gum from some guy on a park bench. Sometimes our requests might seem like "mission impossible" but that is only because our sight is limited. God sees all things and I can find satisfaction in knowing that the plan He has laid out for my life is the BEST plan, regardless of whether it's what I've requested or not. I think the key is trust. Do I trust God enough to be bold in my request and then hand it over to Him to work it out?
P - I do believe Lord that I have a strong faith. I believe your promises and that you have my best interest at heart. At times though, God, I have in my heart requests that seem too detailed and too "impossible". I should not be afraid to ask you, nor should I doubt that you would grant these requests if they are in line with your word and your will for my life. I pray Lord that I am always seeking your voice and that you would give me clear signs that you are speaking and moving in my life so that I can give you the credit and all the glory. At the same time, may I always accept with grace when your answer is no. Amen.
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