Read: Luke 24:50-53
SOAP: Luke 24:50-51
The word "bless" means = to bestow goodness and favor, and to invoke such qualities upon another. Jesus blessed the disciples before His ascension. His blessing allowed their ministry in Jerusalem and beyond to be successful. Without God's blessing, our attempts at ministry will not accomplish much. I continuously pray for God to bless our efforts and our ministry.
Thank you for participating in this great Bible study. GoodMorningGirls has another study coming up in November. I will post information about it shortly.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Week 8: Thursday
Read: Luke 24:44-49
SOAP: Luke 24:46-47
Jesus wanted the disciples to share the gospel above all. He opened their hearts to understand the entirety of scripture - it was prophesied that He would die and rise again. The disciples would be empowered by the Holy Spirit to share this in Jerusalem and all other nations. God's desire is the same for us: that we understand the whole of the scriptures and share it with the world.
SOAP: Luke 24:46-47
Jesus wanted the disciples to share the gospel above all. He opened their hearts to understand the entirety of scripture - it was prophesied that He would die and rise again. The disciples would be empowered by the Holy Spirit to share this in Jerusalem and all other nations. God's desire is the same for us: that we understand the whole of the scriptures and share it with the world.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Week 8: Wednesday
Read: Luke 24:36-43
SOAP: Luke 24:38-39
Jesus sensed the doubt in their hearts before it was ever spoken. He knows us in the very same way, sensing when we don't really trust Him. Would He ask us the same question, "Why do doubts arise in your hearts?" He has kept His promises to us, leaving us no reason to doubt Him. Father, help me focus on your truth and not my volatile feelings.
SOAP: Luke 24:38-39
Jesus sensed the doubt in their hearts before it was ever spoken. He knows us in the very same way, sensing when we don't really trust Him. Would He ask us the same question, "Why do doubts arise in your hearts?" He has kept His promises to us, leaving us no reason to doubt Him. Father, help me focus on your truth and not my volatile feelings.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Week 8: Tuesday
Read: Luke 24:13-35
SOAP: Luke 24:30-32
I love the description of the last verse in this passage. When the heart truly absorbs God's truth, it burns with acknowledgement and response. I pray that we all will allow God's Word to penetrate our lives and spirits. We must also encourage a love for God's Word in our children. Father, help me allow your Word to change my life.
SOAP: Luke 24:30-32
I love the description of the last verse in this passage. When the heart truly absorbs God's truth, it burns with acknowledgement and response. I pray that we all will allow God's Word to penetrate our lives and spirits. We must also encourage a love for God's Word in our children. Father, help me allow your Word to change my life.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Week 7: Friday
Read Luke 23:44-56
SOAP: Luke 23:46
God is the owner of our spirits. Death is not the end because our spirits go into the presence of God. God orchestrated every detail of salvation and certainly does the same for our lives. I am so grateful that God sacrificed His Son for us and allows our spirits to reside with Him in His glory.
SOAP: Luke 23:46
God is the owner of our spirits. Death is not the end because our spirits go into the presence of God. God orchestrated every detail of salvation and certainly does the same for our lives. I am so grateful that God sacrificed His Son for us and allows our spirits to reside with Him in His glory.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Week 7: Thursday
Read: Luke 23:32-43
SOAP: Luke 23:34
I don't think I would risk my life for people, knowing that they would still reject me. But Jesus didn't risk His life, He sacrificed it. Jesus yearned to forgive these people even as they were abusing Him. I am so grateful for the extent of Christ's love. Even when I deny Him with my thoughts or behavior, He always wants to restore and forgive. May I be as devoted to our relationship as He is.
SOAP: Luke 23:34
I don't think I would risk my life for people, knowing that they would still reject me. But Jesus didn't risk His life, He sacrificed it. Jesus yearned to forgive these people even as they were abusing Him. I am so grateful for the extent of Christ's love. Even when I deny Him with my thoughts or behavior, He always wants to restore and forgive. May I be as devoted to our relationship as He is.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Week 7: Wednesday
Read: Luke 23:26-31
SOAP: Luke 23:27
These women that wept for Jesus never understood the destruction that awaited their city. The mourning and weeping was just beginning. Jerusalem's demise was around the corner. Would the same women continue to follow and trust Christ during this time? It made me wonder if I too will continue to follow Christ through uncertainty and suffering. Our country is experiencing great turmoil now. Will I continue to follow Christ no matter what happens?
SOAP: Luke 23:27
These women that wept for Jesus never understood the destruction that awaited their city. The mourning and weeping was just beginning. Jerusalem's demise was around the corner. Would the same women continue to follow and trust Christ during this time? It made me wonder if I too will continue to follow Christ through uncertainty and suffering. Our country is experiencing great turmoil now. Will I continue to follow Christ no matter what happens?
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Week 7: Tuesday
Read: Luke 23:13-25
SOAP: Luke 23:23-25
I can't help but be disgusted by the injustice of Jesus' murder. Imagine how believers must have felt during this joke of a trial. An outsider might be tempted to sympathize with Pilate Pontius, but he really just caved to political pressure to murder an innocent man. He could have resisted the crowd and chosen to do the right thing. Nonetheless, God's ultimate plan was brought to pass through these tragic decisions. I thank God for sending Christ to suffer this unspeakable injustice for my sins.
SOAP: Luke 23:23-25
I can't help but be disgusted by the injustice of Jesus' murder. Imagine how believers must have felt during this joke of a trial. An outsider might be tempted to sympathize with Pilate Pontius, but he really just caved to political pressure to murder an innocent man. He could have resisted the crowd and chosen to do the right thing. Nonetheless, God's ultimate plan was brought to pass through these tragic decisions. I thank God for sending Christ to suffer this unspeakable injustice for my sins.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Week 7: Monday
Read: Luke 23:1-12
SOAP: Luke 23:3, 12
It's funny how conspiracy brings people together that otherwise would never collaborate, e.g.. Pilate and Herod. But even the sins of people are used to bring about God's will. It was prophesied that Jesus would die for mankind, and nothing could have stopped it. These men were simply pawns in the master plan. Perhaps if we viewed life more in light of eternity, trusting each detail as part of God's design, we would worry less about negative experiences. For God uses the whole to create something beautiful, if we are willing to be used by Him.
SOAP: Luke 23:3, 12
It's funny how conspiracy brings people together that otherwise would never collaborate, e.g.. Pilate and Herod. But even the sins of people are used to bring about God's will. It was prophesied that Jesus would die for mankind, and nothing could have stopped it. These men were simply pawns in the master plan. Perhaps if we viewed life more in light of eternity, trusting each detail as part of God's design, we would worry less about negative experiences. For God uses the whole to create something beautiful, if we are willing to be used by Him.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Week 6: Friday
Read Luke 22:54-71
SOAP Luke 22:70
It didn't much matter what the Sandhedrin thought of Jesus. Whether or not they admitted the truth, Jesus was indeed the Son of God. Jesus' phrasing makes it clear that this was not about His own admission. This was about the lack of faith from the people. It made me think - do we continue to ask God for proof or do we trust that He will keep His promises? I find my heart demanding proof more often than I rest in the promises of God's Word.
SOAP Luke 22:70
It didn't much matter what the Sandhedrin thought of Jesus. Whether or not they admitted the truth, Jesus was indeed the Son of God. Jesus' phrasing makes it clear that this was not about His own admission. This was about the lack of faith from the people. It made me think - do we continue to ask God for proof or do we trust that He will keep His promises? I find my heart demanding proof more often than I rest in the promises of God's Word.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Week 6: Thursday
Read: Luke 22:39-53
SOAP: Luke 22:40, 42, 46
Jesus was referring to daily encounters of temptation. Prayer would prevent these daily encounters. This situation also implies that we need to push through physical fatigue in order to pray. The disciples could not stay awake long enough to pray. Perhaps that is why they all scattered during the crucifixion of Christ. What would have happened if they stayed awake to pray? This is a much neglected discipline in our lives. May we make sacrifices to pray sufficiently.
SOAP: Luke 22:40, 42, 46
Jesus was referring to daily encounters of temptation. Prayer would prevent these daily encounters. This situation also implies that we need to push through physical fatigue in order to pray. The disciples could not stay awake long enough to pray. Perhaps that is why they all scattered during the crucifixion of Christ. What would have happened if they stayed awake to pray? This is a much neglected discipline in our lives. May we make sacrifices to pray sufficiently.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Week 6: Wednesday
Read Luke 22:31-38
SOAP Luke 22:31-32
The name Simon means = "God has heard," whereas Peter means = "Stone." This passage is so touching, revealing the fact that Jesus prayed for Peter to be faithful. After this terrible failure for Peter, he repents and lives out what Jesus predicted - he strengthens the faith of his brothers. Pentecost, for one! The omniscience of Christ is obvious, yet he still gives us the free will to make mistakes and learn in our faith journey. I'm so grateful that Jesus prays for us still that our faith will not fail.
SOAP Luke 22:31-32
The name Simon means = "God has heard," whereas Peter means = "Stone." This passage is so touching, revealing the fact that Jesus prayed for Peter to be faithful. After this terrible failure for Peter, he repents and lives out what Jesus predicted - he strengthens the faith of his brothers. Pentecost, for one! The omniscience of Christ is obvious, yet he still gives us the free will to make mistakes and learn in our faith journey. I'm so grateful that Jesus prays for us still that our faith will not fail.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Week 6: Tuesday
Read Luke 22:14-30
SOAP Luke 22:25-27
The natural tendency in us to seek greatness and follow our pride. Jesus wants us to put that on the altar - sacrificing our natural desires and replacing them with the desire to please Him. It is hard to be a servant to Christ and is especially hard to be a servant to others. I pray that God will give me the heart of a servant and recognize opportunities to serve.
SOAP Luke 22:25-27
The natural tendency in us to seek greatness and follow our pride. Jesus wants us to put that on the altar - sacrificing our natural desires and replacing them with the desire to please Him. It is hard to be a servant to Christ and is especially hard to be a servant to others. I pray that God will give me the heart of a servant and recognize opportunities to serve.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Week 6: Monday
Week 6
Memory Verse: But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. Luke 22:26
Weekly Challenge: This week be intentional and thank someone who regularly serves you. Write a note to a family member, bring a surprise “Thank You” treat to that co-worker who always seems to have a helping hand and encouraging word. Give a gift card to the woman who always stays late after Sunday school to help clean up or to the friend who always seems to be there to leading a helping hand just when you need it.
Read: Luke 22:1-13
SOAP: Luke 22:5-6
Satan used Judas as a pawn to murder Jesus. Little did Satan realize that he too was being used as a pawn. God was bringing His plan to pass, and Satan could not stop it. In fact, his pawn Judas simply fulfilled prophecy that the Son of Man would be betrayed. This thought made me realize that God is sovereign. Concerning our lives today - everything that happens to us must first pass through His hands. We can see this clearly in the life of Job. Satan wanted to attack Job, but he needed permission from God first. Know that God is sovereign and always makes the final decision.
Memory Verse: But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. Luke 22:26
Weekly Challenge: This week be intentional and thank someone who regularly serves you. Write a note to a family member, bring a surprise “Thank You” treat to that co-worker who always seems to have a helping hand and encouraging word. Give a gift card to the woman who always stays late after Sunday school to help clean up or to the friend who always seems to be there to leading a helping hand just when you need it.
Read: Luke 22:1-13
SOAP: Luke 22:5-6
Satan used Judas as a pawn to murder Jesus. Little did Satan realize that he too was being used as a pawn. God was bringing His plan to pass, and Satan could not stop it. In fact, his pawn Judas simply fulfilled prophecy that the Son of Man would be betrayed. This thought made me realize that God is sovereign. Concerning our lives today - everything that happens to us must first pass through His hands. We can see this clearly in the life of Job. Satan wanted to attack Job, but he needed permission from God first. Know that God is sovereign and always makes the final decision.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Week 5: Friday
Read Luke 21:34-38
SOAP: Luke 21:34-36
It's so easy to see life today as the entire span of existence. Yet life on earth will be a distant memory after Christ's return and an eternity in heaven begins. Our world suffers from life avoidance - vices and habits that numb the pain of dealing with life. Rather than living in a fog, Christ would have us alert, anticipating his imminent return. May the focus of our lives be surrounded by His purposes and not our own.
SOAP: Luke 21:34-36
It's so easy to see life today as the entire span of existence. Yet life on earth will be a distant memory after Christ's return and an eternity in heaven begins. Our world suffers from life avoidance - vices and habits that numb the pain of dealing with life. Rather than living in a fog, Christ would have us alert, anticipating his imminent return. May the focus of our lives be surrounded by His purposes and not our own.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Week 5: Thursday
Read Luke 21:25-33
SOAP Luke 21:33
God created heaven and earth. He created us. As the source of life, we can trust what He says. God's Word is His everlasting gift to us establishing the faith relationship between us. He wants to know we listen to His Word so that He can commune with us through prayer. Great memory verse this week!
SOAP Luke 21:33
God created heaven and earth. He created us. As the source of life, we can trust what He says. God's Word is His everlasting gift to us establishing the faith relationship between us. He wants to know we listen to His Word so that He can commune with us through prayer. Great memory verse this week!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Week 5: Wednesday
Read: Luke 21:12-24
SOAP: Luke 21:14-15, 19
I love these verses today. Jesus wanted to see faith from his followers, especially when persecution came. Then he would give them "mouths and wisdom which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict." Persecution has a refining quality, exposing believers who are completely trusting their Savior. Let's remember our Weekly Challenge to trust the Lord and cling to Him even as the days get darker. He longs to see our faith in action.
SOAP: Luke 21:14-15, 19
I love these verses today. Jesus wanted to see faith from his followers, especially when persecution came. Then he would give them "mouths and wisdom which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict." Persecution has a refining quality, exposing believers who are completely trusting their Savior. Let's remember our Weekly Challenge to trust the Lord and cling to Him even as the days get darker. He longs to see our faith in action.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Week 5: Tuesday
Read Luke 21:5-11
SOAP Luke 21:8-9
The context of this passage was referring to the destruction of the Jewish temple, but can also be applied to the end of the world. The message from Jesus here is similar to our Weekly Challenge. We must not let the sinful world overrun our hearts and minds. Sometimes we have to cling to the truth of God's Word and let our hope rest in Him. The other option is to live in fear and constant discouragement. I pray that God will give me a heart for truth.
SOAP Luke 21:8-9
The context of this passage was referring to the destruction of the Jewish temple, but can also be applied to the end of the world. The message from Jesus here is similar to our Weekly Challenge. We must not let the sinful world overrun our hearts and minds. Sometimes we have to cling to the truth of God's Word and let our hope rest in Him. The other option is to live in fear and constant discouragement. I pray that God will give me a heart for truth.
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