Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 14:7-14 SOAP Luke 14:11, 13-14
These Pharisees were really only doing what is normal for their culture. It certainly hasn't changed much today - we tend to want to be valued by important, rich, or influential people. Success is often determined by how popular you become or what type of people want to associate with you. But Jesus turns this thinking upside down - telling us to associate with the poor, crippled, lame, & blind. Love is often unreciprocated, but it is rewarded at the resurrection. Father, help me to love the unlovable, knowing that my only reward may be given at your return.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Week 6_Monday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 14:1-6 SOAP Luke 14:5-6
I think Jesus was trying to assert that these Pharisees would certainly care for one of their own animals, even on Sabbath. It struck me that we are Christ's own - He came to heal us. No matter when we need him, His grace is available to us. His purpose should become our own - reaching the needy with the gospel. God's purpose should trump anything else on my agenda today. We must be flexible to heed his calling when the opportunity arises, even if it inconveniences our tradition or routine.
Read Luke 14:1-6 SOAP Luke 14:5-6
I think Jesus was trying to assert that these Pharisees would certainly care for one of their own animals, even on Sabbath. It struck me that we are Christ's own - He came to heal us. No matter when we need him, His grace is available to us. His purpose should become our own - reaching the needy with the gospel. God's purpose should trump anything else on my agenda today. We must be flexible to heed his calling when the opportunity arises, even if it inconveniences our tradition or routine.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Week 5_Friday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 13:31-35 SOAP Luke 13:34-35
Verse 24 makes me so sad - that Jesus desperately wanted to call Jerusalem his own and gather them under His wings, yet they rejected Him. Do you suppose this sentiment is still expressed by Christ with his rejectors today? I wonder how many times Jesus could have said that statement to me. He wanted to have a close relationship with me, but I would not.
One day, Christ's second coming will affirm his lordship to everyone. May it not take that to get us to follow Him - because then it's too late. I need to look forward to His presence, saying, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" Father, forgive me for willingly keeping you at a distance. Help me embrace the relationship you want to have with me.
Read Luke 13:31-35 SOAP Luke 13:34-35
Verse 24 makes me so sad - that Jesus desperately wanted to call Jerusalem his own and gather them under His wings, yet they rejected Him. Do you suppose this sentiment is still expressed by Christ with his rejectors today? I wonder how many times Jesus could have said that statement to me. He wanted to have a close relationship with me, but I would not.
One day, Christ's second coming will affirm his lordship to everyone. May it not take that to get us to follow Him - because then it's too late. I need to look forward to His presence, saying, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" Father, forgive me for willingly keeping you at a distance. Help me embrace the relationship you want to have with me.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Week 5_Thursday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 13:22-30. SOAP Luke 13:24-27
What a convicting passage to those who think they are doing everything right. Just as verse 26 illustrates, we can presently say, "But Lord, we were faithful to church, taught classes, and listened to Christian music in your name." His response will still be the same - that He never knew us. A relationship with Christ is far different from good behavior. He wants us to know Him instead of know about Him. Salvation must culminate in a fruitful, communicative relationship with Christ. It should not be considered a one-time decision.
Father, help me know and love you, not just know about you. Forgive my apathy about communing with you. Reminds me of a great book we are teaching in our Sunday School class right now. It addresses this issue of relationship specifically.
Check it out!http://www.amazon.com/Not-Fan-Becoming-Completely-Committed/dp/0310331935/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366904975&sr=8-1&keywords=not+a+fan#_
Comment below
Read Luke 13:22-30. SOAP Luke 13:24-27
What a convicting passage to those who think they are doing everything right. Just as verse 26 illustrates, we can presently say, "But Lord, we were faithful to church, taught classes, and listened to Christian music in your name." His response will still be the same - that He never knew us. A relationship with Christ is far different from good behavior. He wants us to know Him instead of know about Him. Salvation must culminate in a fruitful, communicative relationship with Christ. It should not be considered a one-time decision.
Father, help me know and love you, not just know about you. Forgive my apathy about communing with you. Reminds me of a great book we are teaching in our Sunday School class right now. It addresses this issue of relationship specifically.
Check it out!http://www.amazon.com/Not-Fan-Becoming-Completely-Committed/dp/0310331935/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366904975&sr=8-1&keywords=not+a+fan#_
Comment below
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Week 5_Tuesday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 13:10-17 SOAP Luke 13:10-13
The ruler of the synagogue and the other Pharisees in this passage were seriously missing the point. Can you imagine their callousness in not caring about this poor woman who had finally been healed? They couldn't even see beyond their detailed laws into the eyes of this needy woman. Thankfully, we've left Sabbatical laws in the past. But do we continue this attitude when people disrupt our tradition or routine? Sometimes I see this in action with my own children. I get annoyed when they interrupt me from doing important things. But at the end of the day, it is more important that I love and train them than it is for me to get my "stuff" done. I hope I can get beyond myself, both with my children and others who need love around me.
Read Luke 13:10-17 SOAP Luke 13:10-13
The ruler of the synagogue and the other Pharisees in this passage were seriously missing the point. Can you imagine their callousness in not caring about this poor woman who had finally been healed? They couldn't even see beyond their detailed laws into the eyes of this needy woman. Thankfully, we've left Sabbatical laws in the past. But do we continue this attitude when people disrupt our tradition or routine? Sometimes I see this in action with my own children. I get annoyed when they interrupt me from doing important things. But at the end of the day, it is more important that I love and train them than it is for me to get my "stuff" done. I hope I can get beyond myself, both with my children and others who need love around me.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Week 5_Monday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 13:1-9 SOAP Luke 13:7-9
The Christian life is destined to bear fruit. When we fail to bear fruit, we are not living out God's purpose for our lives. How patient God has been with us. He has every right to "cut us down" and remove us from influence. Instead, He plants new soil around us, giving us another opportunity to bear fruit. One commentator called this a, "Changing of methods in the divine treatment of the impenitent in order to freshen spiritual culture." To be honest, that scares me! I don't want to find out what God has to resort to so that I will finally bear fruit. May I be fruitful now, discipling others as is His intended purpose.
Read Luke 13:1-9 SOAP Luke 13:7-9
The Christian life is destined to bear fruit. When we fail to bear fruit, we are not living out God's purpose for our lives. How patient God has been with us. He has every right to "cut us down" and remove us from influence. Instead, He plants new soil around us, giving us another opportunity to bear fruit. One commentator called this a, "Changing of methods in the divine treatment of the impenitent in order to freshen spiritual culture." To be honest, that scares me! I don't want to find out what God has to resort to so that I will finally bear fruit. May I be fruitful now, discipling others as is His intended purpose.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Week 4_Friday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 12:49-59 SOAP Luke 12:51-52
I realize how blessed I am to have so much family that also follows Christ. I have never been persecuted by my family for what I believe. Unfortunately, there are so many people that must stand alone in their families as the only believer. For them, following Christ costs much more, often damaging relationships with loved ones. Sometimes this division can discourage the believer, causing him to think he caused the rift. I pray that my faith is strong enough to impact unbelievers, creating enough of a discomfort, that they see the distinction of Christ in me.
Comment below
Read Luke 12:49-59 SOAP Luke 12:51-52
I realize how blessed I am to have so much family that also follows Christ. I have never been persecuted by my family for what I believe. Unfortunately, there are so many people that must stand alone in their families as the only believer. For them, following Christ costs much more, often damaging relationships with loved ones. Sometimes this division can discourage the believer, causing him to think he caused the rift. I pray that my faith is strong enough to impact unbelievers, creating enough of a discomfort, that they see the distinction of Christ in me.
Comment below
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Week 4_Thursday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 12:35-48 SOAP Luke 12:40, 48
I think these verses are easy to misinterpret. I often read over these and think, "I need to be expectant that Christ will return at any moment." But I think the focus, instead, is what I should be doing until He returns. The servant who is obedient even when the master is not watching is blessed. I must be found fulfilling Christ's purpose when He comes back. His purpose is making disciples.
Father, how can I build your kingdom today? Help me do everything I can to point others to you. Help me identify self time wasters in my life that keep me from growing your kingdom. Help me realize that I have been entrusted with much and that more is required from me.
Read Luke 12:35-48 SOAP Luke 12:40, 48
I think these verses are easy to misinterpret. I often read over these and think, "I need to be expectant that Christ will return at any moment." But I think the focus, instead, is what I should be doing until He returns. The servant who is obedient even when the master is not watching is blessed. I must be found fulfilling Christ's purpose when He comes back. His purpose is making disciples.
Father, how can I build your kingdom today? Help me do everything I can to point others to you. Help me identify self time wasters in my life that keep me from growing your kingdom. Help me realize that I have been entrusted with much and that more is required from me.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Week 4_Tuesday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 12:13-21 SOAP Luke 12:15, 20-21
"For one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." That verse is actually quite comforting to me. As women, it's easy to compare ourselves with others - always striving to obtain things. The average American woman spends an enormous amount of money on things that don't meet a personal need, but instead fill an emotional void. We don't have to be average! Let us recognize the lies from the media and entertainment industry that drive us toward perfection.
What a blessing it would be to meet the needs of someone else, rather than "store up things" for ourselves. Jesus was right when he said that it truly is more blessed to give than receive. This is difficult for me since I have a natural bent toward self. I pray that God will give me opportunities to be a blessing to others and use my assets to show His love.
Read Luke 12:13-21 SOAP Luke 12:15, 20-21
"For one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." That verse is actually quite comforting to me. As women, it's easy to compare ourselves with others - always striving to obtain things. The average American woman spends an enormous amount of money on things that don't meet a personal need, but instead fill an emotional void. We don't have to be average! Let us recognize the lies from the media and entertainment industry that drive us toward perfection.
What a blessing it would be to meet the needs of someone else, rather than "store up things" for ourselves. Jesus was right when he said that it truly is more blessed to give than receive. This is difficult for me since I have a natural bent toward self. I pray that God will give me opportunities to be a blessing to others and use my assets to show His love.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Week 4_Monday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 12:1-12 SOAP Luke 12:4-5, 7
Charlotte Jenkins said something yesterday regarding this passage. As we were discussing the physical suffering going on in our church body, she added, "There are so many things worse than death." She was so right - according to Luke 12:5. It's interesting that in the same paragraph that tells us to fear God, Jesus is describing how much He loves us. Sickness and death are not the end of life, yet Christians often make it seem that way. Our prayer requests often surround the physical needs of each other.
It's as if Jesus is saying, "Hey, I love you and want a relationship with you. I know everything about you. Don't keep trying to protect your body from harm. It's distracting you from having a right relationship with me." Father, help me to live in the reality of your presence, investing in my relationship with you. Help me to fear displeasing you so much that I shift my focus from the physical to my spiritual condition.
Read Luke 12:1-12 SOAP Luke 12:4-5, 7
Charlotte Jenkins said something yesterday regarding this passage. As we were discussing the physical suffering going on in our church body, she added, "There are so many things worse than death." She was so right - according to Luke 12:5. It's interesting that in the same paragraph that tells us to fear God, Jesus is describing how much He loves us. Sickness and death are not the end of life, yet Christians often make it seem that way. Our prayer requests often surround the physical needs of each other.
It's as if Jesus is saying, "Hey, I love you and want a relationship with you. I know everything about you. Don't keep trying to protect your body from harm. It's distracting you from having a right relationship with me." Father, help me to live in the reality of your presence, investing in my relationship with you. Help me to fear displeasing you so much that I shift my focus from the physical to my spiritual condition.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Week 3_Friday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 11:45-54 SOAP Luke 11:46, 52-53
The "heavy burdens" mentioned in verse 46 refer to the extra laws of legalism the Pharisees were imposing upon people. This legalism was so intense that it "took away the key of knowledge" to the scriptures. Having endured a heavily legalistic atmosphere in the past, I know exactly how this feels. And that's exactly what it produces - people who know how to follow rules, but don't know the scriptures. This is so dangerous because it often produces a false sense of hope in Christians. We can never do enough good outwardly to balance out the bad inwardly. I MUST convey this to my children - that I am more concerned about their heart condition than their ability to "look right."
Father, forgive me when I fail to take the time to truly commune with you in an understanding of your Word. Help me realize that you want me and my heart, not just my exterior.
Read Luke 11:45-54 SOAP Luke 11:46, 52-53
The "heavy burdens" mentioned in verse 46 refer to the extra laws of legalism the Pharisees were imposing upon people. This legalism was so intense that it "took away the key of knowledge" to the scriptures. Having endured a heavily legalistic atmosphere in the past, I know exactly how this feels. And that's exactly what it produces - people who know how to follow rules, but don't know the scriptures. This is so dangerous because it often produces a false sense of hope in Christians. We can never do enough good outwardly to balance out the bad inwardly. I MUST convey this to my children - that I am more concerned about their heart condition than their ability to "look right."
Father, forgive me when I fail to take the time to truly commune with you in an understanding of your Word. Help me realize that you want me and my heart, not just my exterior.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Week 3_Thursday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 11:37-44 SOAP Luke 11:39-40, 42
Wow, the scripture really speaks for itself here. I think the Pharisees had the same problem the American church has: Working hard to present an external image that doesn't match the heart condition inside. I wish I would have practiced this truth in my early adult years. Why we do we strive to appear like we have it all together when we suffer internally from sin? Father, help me to consider my heart condition more important than public perception. Forgive me when I fail to match the inside with the outside. Give me courage to address the sin that so easily besets me.
Read Luke 11:37-44 SOAP Luke 11:39-40, 42
Wow, the scripture really speaks for itself here. I think the Pharisees had the same problem the American church has: Working hard to present an external image that doesn't match the heart condition inside. I wish I would have practiced this truth in my early adult years. Why we do we strive to appear like we have it all together when we suffer internally from sin? Father, help me to consider my heart condition more important than public perception. Forgive me when I fail to match the inside with the outside. Give me courage to address the sin that so easily besets me.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Week 3_Wednesday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 11:29-36 SOAP Luke 11:29, 33-34
Faith is either present or it's not. I think the generation Jesus described in this passage is very much like our current generation. They lack faith because they say they are looking for proof or a sign. But faith is a choice. When we interpret God's Word with "healthy eyes of faith," our bodies will be "full of light." I like John MacArthur's explanation here, "The problem was their perception, not a lack of light. They did not need a sign; they needed hearts to believe the great display of divine power they had already seen."
May we have hearts of belief to see the great display of divine power we've already seen.
Read Luke 11:29-36 SOAP Luke 11:29, 33-34
Faith is either present or it's not. I think the generation Jesus described in this passage is very much like our current generation. They lack faith because they say they are looking for proof or a sign. But faith is a choice. When we interpret God's Word with "healthy eyes of faith," our bodies will be "full of light." I like John MacArthur's explanation here, "The problem was their perception, not a lack of light. They did not need a sign; they needed hearts to believe the great display of divine power they had already seen."
May we have hearts of belief to see the great display of divine power we've already seen.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Week 3_Tuesday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 11:14-28 SOAP Luke 11:17, 28
Verse 28 especially hit home with me today. Although I am certainly not the virgin Mary, I often find myself esteemed because of who I am related to. (I am sure several of you ladies find yourself in this position too.) People often think more of me because of my parents or grandparents. Although I appreciate the sentiment and kindness from those who love my family, it does not negate my obligation to walk by faith on my own. Mary was Jesus' mother, but still needed a Savior. I am a pastor's wife, daughter, & granddaughter, but I still need a Savior. I cannot depend on anyone's faith but my own. I alone must "hear the Word of God and keep it." Father, help me take full responsibility for my relationship with you, knowing that I will be held accountable for how I practice your Word and let it rule my life.
Read Luke 11:14-28 SOAP Luke 11:17, 28
Verse 28 especially hit home with me today. Although I am certainly not the virgin Mary, I often find myself esteemed because of who I am related to. (I am sure several of you ladies find yourself in this position too.) People often think more of me because of my parents or grandparents. Although I appreciate the sentiment and kindness from those who love my family, it does not negate my obligation to walk by faith on my own. Mary was Jesus' mother, but still needed a Savior. I am a pastor's wife, daughter, & granddaughter, but I still need a Savior. I cannot depend on anyone's faith but my own. I alone must "hear the Word of God and keep it." Father, help me take full responsibility for my relationship with you, knowing that I will be held accountable for how I practice your Word and let it rule my life.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Week 3_Monday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 11:1-13 SOAP Luke 11:2-4, 13
Jesus' example of prayer delineates five things we can pray:
1. Pray for God's reputation to be revered by men. - "Hallowed be your name"
2. Identify with the message of Jesus and His followers - "Your kingdom come"
3. Ask for food necessary to sustain life - "Give us each day our daily bread"
4. Forgiveness of sins - "Forgive us our sins"
5. Deliverance from situations that will tempt us to sin - "Lead us not into tempation"
Verse 13 clearly explains that God wants to grant our requests. Let us not neglect to ask Him!
Read Luke 11:1-13 SOAP Luke 11:2-4, 13
Jesus' example of prayer delineates five things we can pray:
1. Pray for God's reputation to be revered by men. - "Hallowed be your name"
2. Identify with the message of Jesus and His followers - "Your kingdom come"
3. Ask for food necessary to sustain life - "Give us each day our daily bread"
4. Forgiveness of sins - "Forgive us our sins"
5. Deliverance from situations that will tempt us to sin - "Lead us not into tempation"
Verse 13 clearly explains that God wants to grant our requests. Let us not neglect to ask Him!
Friday, April 5, 2013
Week 2_Friday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 10:38-42 SOAP Luke 10:41-42
This specific passage has blessed me so much because it is so relevant to me personally, and to our church right now. The original language of Martha's "distracted with much serving" means, "dragging all around." So she was being unnecessarily detailed and elaborate. How often does this happen in ministry where we focus on all the wrong things? The most important thing is sitting at Jesus' feet to learn from Him.
Warren Wiersbe says it best:
Read Luke 10:38-42 SOAP Luke 10:41-42
This specific passage has blessed me so much because it is so relevant to me personally, and to our church right now. The original language of Martha's "distracted with much serving" means, "dragging all around." So she was being unnecessarily detailed and elaborate. How often does this happen in ministry where we focus on all the wrong things? The most important thing is sitting at Jesus' feet to learn from Him.
Warren Wiersbe says it best:
"Consider
Martha’s situation. She received Jesus into her home and then neglected Him
as she prepared an elaborate meal that He did not need! Certainly a meal
was in order, but what we do with Christ is far more important than what
we do for Christ. Again, it is not an either/or situation; it is a
matter of balance.
The key is to have the right
priorities: Jesus Christ first, then others, then ourselves. It is vitally
important that we spend time “at the feet of Jesus” every single day, letting
Him share His Word with us. The most important part of the Christian life is
the part that only God sees. Unless we meet Christ personally and privately
each day, we will soon end up like Martha: busy but not blessed."
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Week 2_Thursday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 10:25-37 SOAP Luke 10:27, 37
I found that there was a prevailing belief among the Jews that they should hate people who reject God. Jesus' answer to the lawyer dispels that incorrect thinking, commanding them instead to love all people. By giving the example of the Samaritan, Jesus puts all men on level ground - further confusing the lawyer. The story Jesus shared tells us to seize every opportunity to show God's love. An unexpected kindness may just spark a necessary conversation with someone, in turn saving his soul. Father, help me recognize opportunities that you have given me to share your love.
Read Luke 10:25-37 SOAP Luke 10:27, 37
I found that there was a prevailing belief among the Jews that they should hate people who reject God. Jesus' answer to the lawyer dispels that incorrect thinking, commanding them instead to love all people. By giving the example of the Samaritan, Jesus puts all men on level ground - further confusing the lawyer. The story Jesus shared tells us to seize every opportunity to show God's love. An unexpected kindness may just spark a necessary conversation with someone, in turn saving his soul. Father, help me recognize opportunities that you have given me to share your love.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Week 2_Wednesday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 10:17-24 SOAP Luke 10:19-21
It's interesting to note the finality God views our relationship to Him. Our names are "written in heaven." (vs 20) The Greek word "written" means to inscribe formally and solemnly. It is used in the signing of a will, a marriage document, or a peace treaty. That certainly makes me feel safe! We can trust God like a child trusts mommy or daddy. In fact, we are encouraged to become childlike in our faith, because that's what allows us to understand God's will. (vs 21)
Read Luke 10:17-24 SOAP Luke 10:19-21
It's interesting to note the finality God views our relationship to Him. Our names are "written in heaven." (vs 20) The Greek word "written" means to inscribe formally and solemnly. It is used in the signing of a will, a marriage document, or a peace treaty. That certainly makes me feel safe! We can trust God like a child trusts mommy or daddy. In fact, we are encouraged to become childlike in our faith, because that's what allows us to understand God's will. (vs 21)
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Week 2_Tuesday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 10:8-16 SOAP Luke 10:8-9, 16
I think that personal pride often stands in the way of discipling. We think that people will reject us or criticize us. But Jesus tells us that those who reject us are really rejecting Him, as well as the One who sent Him. The great commission is not about me or how it makes me feel when people reject the truth. No matter how people make me feel, I am called to work in God's harvest. Father, help me get beyond my own pride to share the truth from your Word.
Comment below
Read Luke 10:8-16 SOAP Luke 10:8-9, 16
I think that personal pride often stands in the way of discipling. We think that people will reject us or criticize us. But Jesus tells us that those who reject us are really rejecting Him, as well as the One who sent Him. The great commission is not about me or how it makes me feel when people reject the truth. No matter how people make me feel, I am called to work in God's harvest. Father, help me get beyond my own pride to share the truth from your Word.
Comment below
Monday, April 1, 2013
Week 2_Monday
Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 10:1-7 SOAP Luke 10:2-3
This send-off from Jesus sounds more like a warning than a pep talk! Working in God's harvest is not for the fainthearted. Sometimes we will be rejected or scorned. Sometimes the gospel will fall upon ears who don't want to receive it. We just have to shake the dust off and move on to those who will hear. I pray that God will "toughen me up" so that I don't get discouraged in the ministry. Like Christ, we will face untold struggles when dealing with unrepentant hearts. Keep the faith!
Comment below
Read Luke 10:1-7 SOAP Luke 10:2-3
This send-off from Jesus sounds more like a warning than a pep talk! Working in God's harvest is not for the fainthearted. Sometimes we will be rejected or scorned. Sometimes the gospel will fall upon ears who don't want to receive it. We just have to shake the dust off and move on to those who will hear. I pray that God will "toughen me up" so that I don't get discouraged in the ministry. Like Christ, we will face untold struggles when dealing with unrepentant hearts. Keep the faith!
Comment below
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