01Feb
31Jan
A Heartfelt Decision
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
Exodus 28:15a Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions—the work of skilled hands.O-bservation:
God literally described the clothing that Aaron, the "High Priest" of Israel, was to wear when entering the presence of God. This place was also known as the "Holy of Holies." God told Moses to make a "Breastpiece" that would cover the "High Priests" heart, where his decisions were made. Inside the "Breastpiece" was to be written the names of the leaders of the 12 tribes of Israel, and it was to contain a pocket to hold the Urim and the Thummim (somewhat like dice that were flipped). This "Breastpiece" was a signal from God to the people that the spiritual leader was always making ... "A Heartfelt Decision."A-pplication:
Whenever Aaron or any "High Priest" that succeeded him would go into the "Holy of Holies," they were reminded that it wasn't just them. They were representing the leaders of the 12 tribes of Israel and all their people. The Urim and the Thummim were only to be used by the "High Priest" as a last resort in determining the will of God for the people. No matter who we're leading, whether it be a large corporation or a family of three, we must never make flippant decisions. People who follow us are counting on the fact the we will always make ... "A Heartfelt Decision."P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, This AM, I will go to my marketplace position joyful, yet realizing that people are counting on me to lead. Help me lead with conviction and resolve today I pray. Amen
30Jan
OPPOSITION
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
Acts 6:9a Opposition arose.O-bservation:
Earlier in this chapter the Apostles had become overwhelmed with the busywork of the ministry. They prayed and felt it was the will of God to choose seven men who were full of the Holy Spirit and full of Wisdom. These seven would assist in the service of people, while the Apostles dedicated themselves to prayer and the preaching of the Word. They chose seven men who fit the criteria, and one of them was named Stephen. Stephen immediately began performing miracles, and when he did Great "Opposition" came from the ruling elders of the synagogue.A-pplication:
You may or may not know that shortly after this initial "Opposition," Stephen the deacon was stoned to death for his FAITH. After Jesus, Stephen was the first Christian martyr. After he died, the church began to further explode with growth. Whenever you move with energy into the purpose for which God has called you, you will face ... "Opposition!" Light always illuminates the darkness. The point is, light continually needs reinforcement because darkness needs nothing to exist. Understand that you and I are light in the middle of a world of darkness. In order to stave off the "OPPOSITION" (Darkness), we must attract more light. Thank God for "Opposition," it's what gives us a good reason to fight the "Good Fight."P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, I'm so thankful this AM that You called me out of Darkness and into Your marvelous LIGHT. Help me as I go into a dark world today to be the LIGHT for those who still stand in darkness. Amen
29Jan
Go To Church
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
Psalm 14:5b For God is present in the company of the righteous.O-bservation:
God is Omnipresent, which means He is everywhere at the same time. There isn't a space that the Almighty does not fill. In this passage, we are told that there are places where His presence is MORE manifest. That's within a group, however large or small, of "Jesus Followers."A-pplication:
I often discuss the power of agreement in this "AM SOAP Devotional." Jesus said if just two people agree together in His name and ask for something, God the Father will do it for them (Matt. 18:19). In this passage, King David lamented the fact that there were so few (if any) true Believers. In fact, he said there were none that were righteous, not even ONE. But he did tell us that God's presence is MANIFEST in the "Company of Believers." In other words, if God will answer prayer for just two people who agree on a given thing, imagine how attracted God is to a group of 100, or 1000, or 10,000 people who are agreeing in Jesus' Name! Where does that kind of activity usually happen? It usually happens every week, here and around the world, where people gather together to worship God. If you want to find a "Company of Believers" ... "Go To Church."P-rayer:
Dear Jesus, This AM I want to pause and give You thanks for giving us Your CHURCH. I'm so thankful that CHURCH is where I found my purpose for living! I have felt Your presence in the "Company of Believers" every time we meet. Amen
28Jan