SOAP FOR TODAY

Scripture for today:  Zechariah 7; Zechariah 8; Zechariah 9; Luke 13 (New International Version) 

Scripture-My special verse today:  Zechariah 9:14 Then the LORD will appear over them; 

       his arrow will flash like lightning. 
       The Sovereign LORD will sound the trumpet; 
       he will march in the storms of the south, 15 and the LORD Almighty will shield them. 
       They will destroy 
       and overcome with slingstones. 
       They will drink and roar as with wine; 
       they will be full like a bowl 
       used for sprinkling ^[e] the corners of the altar.

 16 The LORD their God will save them on that day 
       as the flock of his people. 
       They will sparkle in his land 

       like jewels in a crown. 

Observation:  The Lord is coming to save the few that have remained faithful.  He is able to march in and protect them and he will destroy those who are against them.  In these verses, the Lord is going to save his flock or remnant and they will sparkle like jewels in a crown.  What a beautiful image of God coming to redeem the faithful and taking them unto him and allowing them to shine in an image of Jesus.

 Application:  I find this so relaxing to know that even though our financial markets are in chaos, God never is.  He is always in control and able to come and make all under his control whenever he chooses.  He is in charge – the maker of heaven and earth, able to stop the wind and the waves and insanely in love with his remnant.  I just hope to somehow cling to him as things here become crazy, knowing if I will but remain faithful he will look after me and bring me home one day!

 Prayer:  Lord, let me counted among your faithful flock and let me sparkle for you.

SOAP FOR TODAY

Scripture for today:  Ezekiel 38; Ezekiel 39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20 (The Message)

 

Scripture-My special verse today salm 145:2 I’ll bless you every day, 

      and keep it up from now to eternity. 
 3 God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. 
      There are no boundaries to his greatness. 
 4 Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; 

      each one tells stories of your mighty acts. 

Observation: The psalmist declares his love for God.  He declares to love him and praise him everyday.  He declares that God can never be praised enough for all the good things he does.  He sings of God’s love forever and his never ending goodness.  In fact, all generations are in awe of God and tell of his mighty acts.

 Application:  Churches stand as a testament to the goodness of God throughout the generations.  Those in attendance can remember those who stood there before them, in awe of God’s work.  The testimonies flow from the pews on how God moved years ago and still move today.  Without god’s faithfulness in the generations, churches would be empty.  However, it is this very faithfulness of God to all generations that make our churches the force in our community.  When disaster strikes, people gravitate toward the place that proved helpful in the past.  Often, that is the church and, if she remains faithful, the community will turn to her for guidance.  Then, the church can point them to Christ!!

 Prayer:  Let me always remember your faithfulness and tell the next generations.

SOAP FOR TODAY

Scripture for today:  Jeremiah 45; Jeremiah 46; Jeremiah 47; Psalm 105; John 21 

Scripture-My special verse today:  Psalm 105:42 For he remembered his holy promise 

       given to his servant Abraham.

 43 He brought out his people with rejoicing, 
       his chosen ones with shouts of joy;

 44 he gave them the lands of the nations, 
       and they fell heir to what others had toiled for-

 45 that they might keep his precepts 
       and observe his laws. 

       Praise the LORD.  

Observation:  God remembers the people as he always said he would do.  All the people who have remained faithful when the country did not remember God are now rewarded for their faithfulness.  He remembers the promises he made way back to the time of Abraham.  His  promises are consistent and never changing, although the timing seems wrong for us.  

His people are brought out and rejoicing and shouting.  They are remembered and their time of faithfulness is necessary in order to gain his favor.  By observing God’s laws when noone else did, they are chosen to be remembered by God.

Application:  Over and over God tells the people to remember the promises.  How many people today feel the need to remember the promises made to Abraham?  Are they still relevant?

To remain faithful is to obey God’s words throughout all time.  We should never try to pick and choose the commands we like, but rather remain faithful to all his teachings.  To pick and choose is to play God but, rather, we should trust that God truly means what he says.

Prayer:  Let me remain faithful to God’s teaching no matter what others choose to do.  I hope I will always remain faithful.

SOAP FOR TODAY

Scripture for today:Isaiah 15; Isaiah 16; Isaiah 17; Isaiah 18; Hebrews 10

Scripture-My special verse today:

Hebrews 10:23-”Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”

Observation:

We are going to be swayed because, according to this verse we need to hold on to the hope we profess.  Also, this verse assures us that God is faithful!!  Whatever he promises, he is faithful to fulfill.  All the promises I read about in his word are assured to come true.  Of course, this is according to his will.

Application:

Do I hold on to the hope?  Am I willing to declare God as being completely faithful?  Do I even act as if I believe he is always faithful?  I need to live a life that declares hope and shows others that God is always faithful.  I need to be sure to keep my promises to my children and others around me too.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

Help me declare hope and live as though you are #1 in my life.  Let me live knowing all you promised me in the Word will be fulfilled.  You are sure to keep your word, help me keep mine also.