Friday, July 26, 2013

Anything Study - Week 8 Friday

Read Matthew 6:10

SOAP Matthew 6:10

One commentator described this verse as, "a willing submission to God's purposes, plans and glory.  This desire for God's kingdom is based on the assurance that God will fulfill all His covenant promises to His people."  Christ will indeed return.  We can choose to be a part of His plans or not.  I am praying that God will use me as His instrument to fulfill His plans.  Although I never know how big or small my part may be, I can only remain willing to be used by Him. 

Anything Study - Week 8 Thursday

Read I Corinthians 13:1-13

SOAP I Corinthians 13:3, 13


Feel free to comment below.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Anything Study - Week 8 Wednesday

Read 2 Chronicles 7:11-22

SOAP 2 Chronicles 7:14


Feel free to comment below.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Anything Study - Week 8 Tuesday

Read John 14:1-27

SOAP John 14:26-27

The Holy Spirit helps us understand God's Word and remember it.  If that isn't good enough, Christ also gives us His peace.  This passage makes me wonder if we simply underutilize the power of the Holy Spirit.  Maybe a simple request is what stands between me and spiritual victory. 


Feel free to comment below.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Friday, July 19, 2013

Anything Study Week 7 - Friday

Read Matthew 16:24-28

SOAP Matthew 16:24-25

Feel free to comment below.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Anything Study Week 7 - Thursday

Read James 1:2-8

SOAP James 1:2-4

Perhaps I can immediately take a step back from my burden and say, "God, are you allowing a chance for my faith to grow?"  How can I walk away from each negative situation with a positive internal response. Anything that forces more prayer to occur draws us closer to God.

Feel free to comment below.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Anything Study - Week 7 Wednesday

Read Ephesians 6:11-20

SOAP Ephesians 6:11-12

This passage is a must read for new believers because it gives us the tools for success in the Christian life. Knowing the truth of God's Word actually protects us from the enemy. Faith in the completed work of Christ is intregal to our functionality. The power of the Holy Spirit will fight battles for us. I'm so grateful for the armor of God.

Feel free to comment below.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Anything Study - Week 7 Tuesday

Read John 12:20-28

SOAP John 12:24-25, 28

Jesus' death bore much fruit - the salvation of every soul that would accept Him.  The loss of my life will also bear much fruit, not in paying for anyone's sin (for Christ did that already), but in glorifying God the Father.  Surrender of my plans, will, emotions, and every area of life results in a vessel that can fully be used for God's glory.  Just as Jesus said before His crucifixion, "God's will be done, not my own," I too must give up my life.  As long as God is getting the glory, any price or sacrifice is worth it.   

Monday, July 15, 2013

Anything Study - Week 7 Monday

Read I Corinthians 1:18-25

SOAP I Corinthians 1:18, 20-21

In my opinion, one of the greatest battles we fight is getting the lost to realize their need of salvation.  In our culture, people often try to be good - teamplayers, faithful employees, good spouses, etc.  These are the ones that are so hard to save.  Many of them lead fairly successful and happy lives.  This is where the power of the Holy Spirit must step in to convince their hearts of the truth.  We are all equally in need of salvation, which may sound foolish to the world. 

Friday, July 12, 2013

Anything Study - Week 6 Friday

Read Luke 14:15-24

SOAP Luke 14:16, 22-23

Jesus' point in this parable was that Jews and Gentiles alike were welcome in God's kingdom.  Destroying the belief that only Jews would be in heaven, Jesus words were very confrontational.  Just as the man giving the banquet did, we must also share the gospel with those who will receive it.  The man deliberately sought the poor and infirmed because they were more receptive to the invitation.  Some people will not "need" Jesus.  We must move on to the ones who recognize their need, sharing Christ with those who will receive Him.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Anything Study - Week 6 Thursday

Read John 17:20-25

SOAP John 17:20-21, 23

When you read these verses closely, it is clear that unity in the body causes the world to believe the truth.  When we come together, walking in the light of Christ and His truth, people will see the gospel clearly.  Sometimes I am guilty of behaving just like unsaved people, not differing in my desires or emotions.  But purposeful life in Christ should be distinct. 

Father, please permeate my life until your light and love shine through.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Anything Study - Week 6 Wednesday

Read John 17:13-19

SOAP John 17:15-17

God's Word is truth and Jesus says God will sanctify us in the truth.  This phrase implies that staying in God's Word brings about sanctification.  We can't cling to a truth that we don't know.  Let us actively seek understanding for God's Word, thereby becoming sanctified daily. 

Feel free to comment below

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Anything Study - Week 6 Tuesday

Read John 17:6-12

SOAP John 17:11

"That they may be one" - sounds like Christ wants us to come together.  It makes sense that we affect more people when we work together.  This is easier to practice in the church setting - all of us moving toward a common goal together.  My prayer is that our people will band together and let the Holy Spirit lead us to make disciples.  I'm going to look for ways to get people involved together so that we can effect the most change.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Anything Study - Week 6 Monday

Read John 17:1-5

SOAP John 17:2-3

I love verse 3, which explains why God provided salvation - "that they know you."  God provided an escape from hell, yes.  But it is comforting to know that He also longs to have a relationship with us.  This passage affirms that salvation is not just a one-time prayer, but a continual, purposeful relationship maintained by both parties.  I must constantly work on my end of this relationship, seeking God's intents in every area of life. 

Friday, July 5, 2013

Anything Study - Week 5 Friday

Read Ephesians 2:1-10

SOAP Ephesians 2:10

God created us to please Him and have a relationship with him.  Sin separated us from this design; salvation reconciled us to this design.  Walking in the light is fulfilling His plan for us to have friendship with Him.  I love these verses that remind us how much God loves us.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Anything Study - Week 5 Thursday

The church in Acts is an example for us in taking care of her own.  It is such a blessing to see God's people aware of each other's needs and quickly respond to meet them.  It's hard for people to ask for help.  But if we listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, I'm sure He will reveal those that need us to intercede for them.  I have often been the recipient of God's love shown through the generosity of His people. 

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Anything Study - Week 5 Wednesday

Read Philippians 3:7-11

SOAP Philippians 3:8-10

Anything I can accomplish in life that gives me significance is worthless compared to a relationship with Christ.  These verses also indicate that energy should be spent on futhering that relationship.  There are countless things to attain in life, but the effort to pursue Christ is more valuable than anything else.  Sometimes I don't live like it is.  I pray that God will transform my view of our relationship. 

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Anything Study - Week 5 Tuesday

Read: Mark 10:17-31

SOAP: Mark 10:21

Jesus was not adding another requirement to salvation of selling one's possessions.  Jesus knew this man's heart and that his riches were preventing him from following Christ.  It makes me wonder if I have things in my life that keep me from following Christ.  We all have different struggles.  I think my convenience or comfort can prevent the best potential relationship with Jesus.  Following Jesus requires sacrifice by taking up a cross.  I pray God will be able to use me.  I must keep from erecting walls to prevent that from happening.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Anything Study - Week 5 Monday

Read Romans 6:1-7

SOAP Romans 6:6-7

Sin enslaves people.  You can see this clearly in the eyes of broken people.  The deception of sin sadly blinds their eyes, convincing them that they are under control.  Salvation calls us to die to those sinful desires.  Instead of living for our own fulfillment, we now live to please God.  Father, when I am tempted to go back to sin, help me remember that I put that to death to gain life in You.