S.O.A.P.

My job isn’t to stress about the future, but simply to be obedient in the ‘now’…and trust that God is putting the pieces in place today, to fulfill a divine plan in my tomorrow.

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Scripture

Micah 5:2

“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from old, from ancient days.”

Observation

What a beautiful prophecy of the coming Messiah! This verse, penned by the prophet Micah, is the same passage which later guided the wise men as they traveled to worship the newborn king in the manger. As Micah wrote to confront the sin and wickedness of the people, I wonder if he had any idea just how far-reaching an impact his message would have. Though he was dealing with the present issue, God was using him to speak into a God-sized future.

Application

I exist in the present…and most of my attention is consumed by simply navigating the present in the best way that I can. But like a chess master lining up the pieces for a checkmate 15 moves ahead, God is sovereignly operating in the present to accomplish His plan in the future. My job isn’t to stress about the future, but simply to be obedient in the ‘now’…and trust that God is putting the pieces in place today to fulfill a divine plan in my tomorrow.

Prayer

God, thank you that you hold my tomorrow! I trust that you are putting the right pieces in place today, to fulfill your will through me. I choose to be obedient event when I can’t see the final outcome.

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God is interested in more than just my victory today: He wants me to learn that true victory is found only in him, and not in my accumulation of resources, wealth, influence, and power.

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Scripture

Micah 5:9-10

“Your hand shall be lifted up over your adversaries, and all your enemies shall be cut off. And in that day, declares the Lord, I will cut off your horses from among you and will destroy your chariots.

Observation

Deliverance. Salvation. Victory. We want all of these things! And this chapter promises them to the people of God. But then God continues: “I’ll defeat your enemies, and conquer your oppressor! …and I’ll take away your military might, and the resources in which you’ve been trusting.” God was going to save them, but he wanted no doubt in their minds: Their victory was from God, not from their own ability and resources.

Application

Micah’s word from God must have caused a swirl of emotions for his listeners. “Victory! Yay! …and no more chariots?! What on earth, God! Don’t you know we need those?!”

Like the Israelites, I love experiencing divine victory…but also like the Israelites, I don’t like losing resources that I view as essential. But God is interested in more than just my victory today: He wants me to learn that true victory is found only in him, and not in my accumulation of resources, wealth, influence, and power.

Today I choose to trust the provider (and remover…) of resource, knowing that my victory comes from Him alone.

Psalm 20:7 says, “Some trust in horses, some trust in chariots, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” This is my declaration today. In plenty or in lack, my victory comes from God!

Prayer

God, thank you for supplying all I need–and I choose to trust you when you remove resources from my life. I know that you will not fail me, even as you remove the things which I don’t need…but thought that I did. My victory and my hope are in you alone!

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Today’s SOAP journal is brought to you by Stacey Fukushima:

Scripture

Hebrews 5:14, But solid food is for the mature, for those who have the powers of discernment, trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

Observation

A mature Christian is known by their ability to discern, and it is in fact one of the markers of a mature believer.

Application

Discernment [noun] (1): The act of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure (2): an act of perceiving something.

‘Gullible’ is the sign or mark of someone who is easily fooled by others, a person who lacks discernment. When I was a kid, my dad would prank us regularly by pointing to the ceiling and say, “Someone wrote ‘Gullible’ on the ceiling!” Of course I would look, and wonder why someone would do that, not knowing what gullible meant or discerning the joke.

When I was 5 my grandpa told me that if I ate my bread crusts I would be able to whistle… and sure enough not too much longer I learned how to whistle. Let’s not think about the fact that I practiced regularly, it was the bread crusts that I ate faithfully from each sandwich…

Of course, as I grew, I was able to discern what was teasing, and what was helpful instruction of the people in my life. This is just like our walk of faith that each of us take when we accept Jesus as our Lord and savior. We will have people who speak into our lives, some will speak into our life for our good, some for their good, and some just to hurt us. It is so important to make sure that baby Christians are surrounded by mature Christians who can speak God’s word and truth into their life, and not false doctrines and wayward beliefs. And as we grow, that we feed on God’s word- making that the central truth of our life, going from simple thoughts and ideas to profound and life changing beliefs. This is how our discernment grows: our ability to tell what is right and good and of Christ, and what is not. It is a skill that we need to utilize and practice regularly, because it is the mark of a person who is growing with Christ, and not drifting away or stagnating.

The dictionary defines discernment as “to comprehend what is obscure”. Not everything is going to be in neon lights, and obvious. Sometimes things are hidden and hard to find. But with the help of Holy Spirit, and God’s word in my heart, I can and will navigate the path ahead of me with confidence; I can navigate relationships, situations, and decisions by practicing discernment.

Prayer

Thank you, God, for the gift of discernment, that I can walk out the life you have called me to live. That my life is a testimony of your goodness, and grace daily. Thank you that your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path. In Jesus name, Amen.

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When my attention is on the counterfeit, the counterfeit looks pretty good! My heart begins to pursue and seek after the glitter of the enemy’s paltry offerings, and my attention turns from eternity to temporary. The solution, and my only hope for true joy, happiness, and fulfillment, is to turn my eyes away from the counterfeit and instead focus on the real thing. The blessings of my Father are eternal, and will not bring heartache. His love is endless, and sufficient to provide all that I need.

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Scripture

Psalm 73:1-3, 16-17

Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

16 But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, 17 until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.

Observation

What an uncomfortable, honest admission from the psalmist! What humility to admit a close call. When his focus was on the apparent success of wicked men, his feet began to drift toward a painful fall. His envy caused him to only see the temporary earthly gain of wickedness, and blinded him to the long-term price that such men pay. Counterfeit success and blessing looked like the real thing until he took his focus off of the counterfeit, and instead turned his attention to the source of true blessing.

Application

For everything that God has created, the enemy has a counterfeit. Instead of the Father’s affirmation, the enemy offers pride. Instead of love, the enemy offers lust. Instead of eternal and abundant life, the enemy offers the temporary pleasures of sin for a brief season. Instead of divine provision, the enemy offers dishonest gain.

When my attention is on the counterfeit, the counterfeit looks pretty good! My heart begins to pursue and seek after the glitter of the enemy’s paltry offerings, and my attention turns from eternity to temporary. The solution, and my only hope for true joy, happiness, and fulfillment, is to turn my eyes away from the counterfeit and instead focus on the real thing. The blessings of my Father are eternal, and will not bring heartache. His love is endless, and sufficient to provide all that I need.

This week, I choose to turn my eyes to the true blessings of my Father instead of focusing on the false promises of this world’s cheap imitations.

Prayer

God, thank you for your blessings and your provision! I want to keep my eyes on you, instead of letting my attention be consumed by mere counterfeits of what you offer me. Thank you for your steadfast love, and for the eternal joy that I find in your presence.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.”

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I may not see the culmination of God’s plans right away, but I can trust that the end result of His process will be abundant life for me in his presence. This week I must make the decision to trust His love for me, even in the uncomfortable times.

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Scripture

Hosea 6:1-2

“Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.

Observation

As a loving and involved Father, God disciplines his children. His discipline is intended to turn the hearts of his children back to him, so that he may bandage them, revive them, and raise them up to live in his presence.

Application

When I’m experiencing the discipline of the Lord, it can be difficult to see beyond the discomfort. When things seem to be falling apart and every one of my plans are failing, it’s difficult to see where his love could be. This verse is such an awesome reminder that his love is at work even in the most uncomfortable moments, and even when he is bringing correction to my life. His desire is not to destroy me, but to restore me. His desire is not to crush me, but to transform me. I may not see the culmination of his plans right away, but I can trust that the end result of His process will be abundant life for me in his presence.

This week I must make the decision to trust His love for me, even in the uncomfortable times.

Prayer

God, thank you for your love! I choose to trust your love for me, and I accept your correction in my life. I surrender to you as my Lord and my King, and I want to live my life in your presence–both here on earth, and in eternity to come.

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Like a freed slave who has not yet realized that his shackles are gone, I can still allow old fears and mindsets to keep me from walking in the full freedom which is mine in Christ. Today I choose to let go of fear, so that I can walk in freedom.

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Scripture

Hebrews 2:14-15

“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.”

Observation

The wages of sin is death, and through sin the devil wields the fear of death to enslave mankind. Therefore sinful men spend their lives ruled and controlled by fear of the inevitable end they will reach regardless.

The child of God is subject to a different kind of servitude: not controlled by the fear of death, but instead released to freely choose a life of willing service to the King. No longer a slave fear, but anticipating eagerly the fulfillment of His promise of eternal, abundant life.

Application

What a difference it makes, to be able to view life through the anticipation of abundant life rather than through the fear of death! Because of Christ, I can walk with confidence through life in anticipation of what God has in store. But I must watch for areas where I am walking in fear of that which Christ has already conquered! Like a freed slave who has not yet realized that his shackles are gone, I can still allow old fears and mindsets to keep me from walking in the full freedom which is mine in Christ.

Today I choose to let go of fear, so that I can walk in freedom. I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I know I have the promise of abundant life.

Prayer

God, thank you for conquering sin and winning the victory over death! Help me to walk today in freedom and anticipation, instead of allowing my life to be ruled by fear of a defeated enemy.

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I don’t want to become so focused on the enjoyment of my freedom that I allow it to separate me from the very source of the freedom that I have! Instead of using my freedom merely to pursue what I desire, I must instead use my freedom to pursue the fulfillment of God’s desires for my life. Today I choose to live life to the fullest, and enjoy every freedom I have–for the glory of the One from whom my freedom comes.

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Scripture

2 Kings 15:3-4

“And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. Nevertheless the high places were not taken away. The people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places.”

Observation

The nation of Israel was enjoying a time of freedom. A Godly king was on the throne, and things were going well! There were not enslaved. They were not under siege. It was time to enjoy their freedom!

…and so they did. They exercised their freedom to keep their monuments to false gods. They exercised their freedom to ignore God’s commands. They exercised their freedom to worship idols. They used their freedom to move another step closed to judgement.

Application

I’m so thankful to live in a free nation! I’m thankful for the freedom to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But the danger of freedom is that it can become a distraction from the giver of freedom.

I don’t want to become so focused on the enjoyment of my freedom that I allow it to separate me from the very source of the freedom that I have! Instead of using my freedom merely to pursue what I desire, I must instead use my freedom to pursue the fulfillment of God’s desires for my life. Today I choose to live life to the fullest, and enjoy every freedom I have–for the glory of the One from whom my freedom comes.

Prayer

God, thank you for freedom! Help me to never allow the freedom and blessings you’ve given me to sway my heart from full surrender to you, or distract me from your ways. I choose today to use every freedom I have, to serve you and pursue you faithfully.

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I want to know my need of God, so that I could experience his cleansing and transformational power.

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Scripture

Isaiah 6:1,5

“In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple”

“And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips…”

Observation

Isaiah saw God on his throne–and as he glimpsed the majesty of God, it also brought revelation for him to see and understand himself more clearly. This revelation of his sinfulness was then met by the burning coal of God’s grace, to change what Isaiah had been into something new.

Application

I want to see God clearly, and understand his glory. I want to glimpse his holiness, knowing that it will reveal those uncomfortable truths about the sinful condition of my heart. I want to know my need of him, so that I could experience his cleansing and transformational power.

Prayer

God, reveal your nature and your heart to me. I want to see you! As I gaze on you more clearly, reveal those places in my heart which are not compatible with your presence so that your power could continue to transform and cleanse me day by day.

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My social media metrics, my finely-tuned Call of Duty reflexes, and my secret recipe for smoked beef brisket are tools to be used in connecting people with God–but alone, they hold no eternal value. Today I choose to pursue success in eternal things, rather than things that can’t last and hold no Kingdom value.

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Scripture

Isaiah 5:22

“Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink…”

Observation

This entire passage is a confrontation of those on whom God’s judgement was about to fall, because of their wicked ways. …and there in the middle of the list, are the ‘heroes at drinking wine’! They had a claim to fame, and a reputation for being the life of the party…but they were famous for foolishness, and highly skilled at meaningless things.

Application

This passage makes me ponder: what are the skills I’ve highly developed, which are worthless in God’s eyes? What are the things in which I’ve invested countless hours–and perhaps even worn as a badge of honor and acclaim, which matter not one bit in eternity?

Jesus himself used wine–but he was a hero of grace and righteousness, not a hero of drinking wine.

My social media metrics, my finely-tuned Call of Duty reflexes, and my secret recipe for smoked beef brisket are tools to be used in connecting people with God–but alone, they hold no eternal value.

Today I choose to pursue success in eternal things, rather than things that can’t last and hold no Kingdom value.

Prayer

God, I don’t want to waste my life trying to be a hero of meaningless things! Help me to invest my time in that which has eternal value, so that I would be useful to my Master!

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It’s God’s job to bring people to repentance–but it’s my responsibility not to allow my own heart to become infected with corrosiveness around me.

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Scripture

Titus 3:10

“As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.”

Observation

Conflict and disagreements happen-but some people seem to thrive on disagreements and strife. The child of God is instructed to “warn” such a person and confront them about their behavior–then after another warning…have nothing more to do with them.

Application

Divisive and argumentative behavior must be confronted. A person who naturally and effortlessly stirs up tension and discord in the family must be confronted, for the health of the family. But at some point, I must draw a boundary to keep divisive people from dragging me into the vortex with them. God’s grace is still available to them, but I can’t try to play God’s role in changing their heart. It’s his job to bring them to repentance–but it’s my responsibility not to allow my own heart to become infected with their corrosiveness.

This week, I choose to draw healthy boundaries so that the family can grow in unity.

Prayer

God, help me to care enough about people to confront things that must be confronted. But help me also to draw healthy boundaries, to protect the unity of the family. Even through disagreement, may we grow closer to you and grow stronger together.

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