SOAP FOR TODAY

Scripture for today:  Ezekiel 8; Ezekiel 9; Ezekiel 10; Ezekiel 11; Revelation 4 

Scripture-My special verse today:  Ezekiel 11:18 ”They will return to it and remove all its vile images and detestable idols. 19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. 20 Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God. 

Observation:  God promises to restore the people who have chosen to walk away from him.  After years of punishment for their refusal to worship him, he will have mercy on them and restore them to a right relationship with him.  No more punishment if they choose to love him with their whole heart, not just pieces. No, he promises that the ones who truly love him with an undivided heart will be called his people.

 Application:  Isn’t it amazing how much mercy God continues to show the people?  He allows them to return to him over and over again, although they continually disobey his commands. Am I aware of the unlimited mercy God continues to show me.  

In just a few hours, I fly with my family to South Dakota at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to help with a benefit concert.  An impossible thing is now possible.  In all ways, God could have turned his back on his people.  But he has chosen to shine light on the remnant there and pour out his blessings.  Casting Crowns will be performing a benefit concert there and we are part of the volunteer team.  Wow, God is truly incredible.

When Lori, the missionary in Pine Ridge, first told us about this possibility, I began to pray but really felt it was a long shot.   God showed me up.  He made it a reality and now we are getting ready to leave.  I love God.  He continues to shine for me, always doing things in a Big Way.  To underestimate him is to miss a blessing.  I always want to be amazed at his continual blessings poured out for those who will remain faithful. 

 Prayer:  Let me give you a round of applause every day for all your goodness and mercy.  You truly do things God sized.  Let me never miss it!!

SOAP FOR TODAY

Scripture for today:  2 Kings 21; 2 Chronicles 33; John 4 

Scripture-My special verse today:  2 Chron. 33:12 In his distress he sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. 13 And when he prayed to him, the LORD was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God. 

Observation:  Manasseh was evil as was his generation before him.  He learned well.  However, when he hits bottom he calls upon the Lord.  The Lord shows mercy for him and restores him back to his kingdom.  Manasseh then believes the God is truly the one and only Lord.

Application:  How evil is enough that God will turn his back on his children?  Do you have to be a little evil, very evil or completely evil – down to the bone evil?  From this scripture, it appears Manasseh is a proud man of heritage, carrying on the evil ways of those before him.  However, God never leaves him.  When he cries out for God, he is there showing mercy and restoring him to power.  For my own life, I hope my name is never followed by, “and she did evil in the Lord’s sight.”  However, it is so freeing to know that God does in fact show mercy on the unworthy, of which I definitely hold a membership card.  He is truly able to restore me whenever he so chooses.  I just hope I can stay the course.

Prayer:  Let me be humble before you.  Though I try really hard to stay on your side, I seem to always slip up.  Let me stay close to you and show mercy upon me when I deserve it the least.