S.O.A.P. for 04-13-2009 Money Money Money

S: Luke 16:10&11
He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust true riches?

O: When we handle what little we have according to God's will, be it money, time, family, walk, etc, then more will be added to us as we prove our ability to be good stewards. However, if we fail Him, we run the risk of being "downsized" and becoming unworthy.

A: Our character can often meet its match in money matters. God calls us to be honest in even trivial matters that we try to rationalize away. A new this, a new that, a better this, a cooler that, an improvement on something we already have that works perfectly fine.. Heaven's riches are far more valuable than earthly wealth, but if we are untrustworthy with our time, talents, or treasures, no matter it is, we will be unfit to handle the vast riches of God's kingdom. Do I really want to feel as though God has declared me unfit? or Undeserving? Does that speak of the character I feel that I should have? What can I do differently to be considered a "good steward". What am I doing with my "extra" anything??? AM I sharing, helping, or am I immediately looking at what "I" can do with it? Next new handbag, nicer shoes, better tv, time to myself, catch up on sleep...versus a friend who's down and out, or someone that just needs a hug, or a hand, or an ear..... It's obvious which is of greater importance, but which springs to mind first? How could I possibly overlook those in need for my own selfish desires?

P: Abba, Father,

I humbly confess that if I have done this thing, please forgive me. I have not recognized it, but do see it as a heinous way to live with what you call "unrighteous mammon". You already know how lethal having it can be, and You call us to something better in the way we handle it, the way we spend it, the way we work to obtain it..because You DO want to bless us with more, if only we'd obey. Father, show me Your ways, and help me to never overlook a need when I am able to meet it. If I have surplus, then let me share. Father, please don't let me be that statistic that may never know Heaven's true riches. I pray that I have not let you down in the past, and please do not let me do so in the future. Help me keep my blinders on and never seek for more than I need, that I may always have something to share....

In Jesus Name,
Amen

S.O.A.P. for 04-04-2009 Martha Martha Martha!

S: Luke 10:41&42
And Jesus said to her,"Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."

O: Jesus was not blaming Martha for being concerned about household chores. He was only asking her to set priorities. It is possible for service to Christ to degenerate into busyness, tasks, and distraction that is no longer full devotion to God.

A: My life is in a whirl wind right now, I can't blink because my eyes burn in their tiredness. By back aches from tiredness. I was being a Martha. My head hurts from the stress....and I realized that I wasn't spending enough "quality time" with Him this week. So what to do? What to do? How do I set those priorities? , and then I stumbled on this scripture that I'd annotated to go back to, and just never found time to. Til Thurday night. Then it hit me. Just make it happen and all will be well. His Yoke is easy and His burden is light. I took it upon myself to be as simple as possible on Friday. I informed my boss that I would catch up, but unless something urgent came up, I'd be unavailable. I spent the morning reading my bible... I spent the next few hours outside at the picnic table with my kids, coloring eggs, talking, planting flowers, and just being "us". The rest of the day played out simply, stress-free, and wonderful. I thanked God at the end of my wonderful day, and I thanked Him for making me stop and smell the cacti.

P: Father God,
Thank You for Your constant reminders of what it is to live in step with You! Everything is so much more peaceful when it's all just about living in a way that would make You and my family smile. I must remember to not let my job, no matter if their is "extra" to be made, get the best of me. YOU and my family deserve the best of me, and how dare I offer You table scraps?! If I truly believe, then I KNOW that You will refresh, You will lighten my load, You will give me the energy when I think I won't have any left. How refreshed do I already feel after stepping back into Your light! How lovely is Your dwelling place!! Thank You so much.. I'm sorry that I allow life to get in the way sometimes, but I am also so very thankful that You don't let me wander too far before pulling me back in.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

Cause it's not who you knew,
And it not what you did...
It's how you live...

*Turn up the music!!*

Thoughts on today

Thoughts on Today.....
I'm going bananas,
And I feel like my poor little mind is being devoured by piranhas,
For I'm going bananas.

I'm non compos mentis,
And I feel like a tooth being drilled, a nerve being killed by a dentist,
For I'm non compos mentis.

Who knows?
Could be the tropic heat
Or something that I eat,
That makes me gonzo.
I do carry on so, for I'm going bananas,
Someone book me a room in the hot hacienda with all my mananas
For I'm going bananas.

I'm going meshugga
All day long there's a man in my brain incessantly playing "Booga wooga",
But I'm going meshugga.

There's bats in my belfry.
Won't you make sure this straitjacket's tight,
Otherwise I might get myself free.
Yes, there's bats in my belfry.

Who knows?
Could be the wine I drink
Or it's the way I think,
That makes me gonzo.
Oh, Doctor Alonzo says I'm going bananas,
Someone get me a bed in the "Casa de Loco" for all my mananas,
For I'm going bananas.
Yes, I'm going bananas.
Si, I'm going bananas.

( I concur)

S.O.A.P. for 04-01-2009 UNITY

Unity

S: Luke 9:49&50
John said to Jesus,"Master, we saw someone using Your Name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn't in our group." But Jesus said,"Don't stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you!"

O: Jesus was explaining that if the focus is on Him, it doesn't matter what group, what church, what clique, what town, what race you belong to. Don't fight or create dissention amongst yourselves when your goals and beliefs are the same. No group is better than the other if the focus and heart is on Jesus.

A: I must remember to love my neighbor and encourage my neigbor, even if he is not in my circle, or does not go to my church. If he is a believer, then he is my brother, no matter his status, his church, whether he attends the same bible study, listens to the same music... If his walk is in line with mine, then we should be united, whether or not God has placed us together... He is on my side. We are not wrong.... just different. :) We should honor and respect each other in those regards.

P: Father God,
Please remind me that if I know a believer, and that believer is "living the life" just as I am trying to, I must remember that it's okay that we go to different churches or are in different groups or associations. We can't just have one tremendosusly large group of like minded people or we would lose our diversity, and we would stunt our growth!! Neither of us is better than the other and we are on the same team so who cares about the "details". Help me to see in that light and respect and honor that person for their Faith. Help me to remember to "rejoice" and not try to sway to my way of thinking. There is beauty in the diversity that you've created and one person does not have it all "right". I love You dearly, and thank You for everything You bring to light, everything You offer, and everything You share with me.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

*They call us Diverse City, we're color for good,
It's like a freak show.. in your neighborhood.
SO if you wanna praise, you can come on down.
Cause this freak show, is leaving the ground*
Toby Mac

S.O.A.P. for 03/30/3009 Holy Example

S: Psalm 71: 7+8
My life is an example to many, because You have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare Your glory all the day long.

O: Everything I do...my words, deeds, moods, and actions are visible to many people, each and every day, and they set an example for those around me of the depth that God's presence has in my life.

A: I must remind myself at all times that all I do is a reflection of God in my life, and I have a HUGE responsibility in that I also have very young eyes looking to me to see what that should look like. I must figure out how to keep myself accountable and always show my devotion to Him so that I can be a GOOD example for those who would learn from me, or even simply be affected by the presence of my life in theirs.

P: Father God,
Help me to always keep You close so that all I do is a good reflection, a good example of Your influence ON me and IN me. Let it complete me so that You pour out of every orifice, showing everyone that You are a part of me, and I of You...That all I do is because of You, and all I have is because of You. Let me emote that in such a way that is an appealing thing, a magnetic thing, that would draw those around me to also want to walk in Your ways. I pray Lord, that I never act as a hypocrite, and never accidentally push someone away from You because of my example.
I pray that not only this applies to random people in my life, but more importantly , to my children, who will one day make these choices for themselves, and I can only hope and pray that You have enabled me to pave the way that they may have an even stronger, better relationship with You. I pray that through me and the way I live, they can experience an even better walk with You, giving You all the Glory, and living in ways that make You proud!

In Jesus Name
Amen

I wanna be just like You,
Cause (they) wanna be just like me.
I wanna be a holy example
For (their) innocent eyes to see.
Let me be a living bible Lord,
That my little (boys) can read...
I wanna be just like You
Cause (they) want to be like me..

*Phillips Craig and Dean*

S.O.A.P. for 03/12/2009 Friends

S: Psalm 55:12-14
For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me how has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man, my equal; My companion and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God together in the throng.

O: David here reveals our hearts. He understands that our enemies can hurt us and they will, but in a way we can quickly recover from for there is no bond there. We can quickly recover from those kinds of attacks. The TRUE hurts come when we are ignored, betrayed, or hurt by someone we thought we could trust and someone we share the same walk with.

A: I do understand that as a part of human nature we are kinder to strangers than we are to those that are close to us. We give our best to strangers so they can think how kind and wonderful we are and see our "best side", and in a matter of moments we can bare ourselves, and "quit" trying so hard when it's someone we do know. Why is that okay? Why is it okay when it's someone we know, to immediately turn our backs on them , when we know that their character speaks more strongly that their intention was NOT how we may have taken it? Shouldn't we have more faith in those we DO know, rather than in those we don't?

We don't apply that to marriage, and to me , that is what a friendship is, a marriage. What is takes to get someone to "marry" you, or to bring you into their circle, is what it takes to STAY there. If we quit trying all of a sudden, and begin to let words slip just because, or pride come in the door because we want to see if we're "better", or feel that because I had a bad day, it gives me permission to "vomit" - how is that other person seeing us? Do they feel like we care? Do they feel like we have been faking it this whole time just to prove to OURSELVES that we could get them to like/love us?? Did we really like THEM to begin with?? What message are we sending unintentionally to those we say we care for?

Have I changed in MY fervor to BE someone's friend? Have I quit trying and am just waiting on the other party to do all the work now? DO I feel like I've done my part and it's all smooth sailing from here? Am I the one creating the division by sitting idly by and not helping to fix what might be wrong? Am I getting my hands dirty and being real to those I love, giving them the benefit of the doubt in times of misunderstanding because I know the depths of their hearts??!! Am I forgiving 70 times 7?? Have I shut people out wrongly, slamming doors in faces, without trying to fix it first? What kind of friend am I? What kind of friend CAN I BE?

P: Father God,
There is honesty is my words as I confess that I have been more kind to those I don't know well, and have turned my frustration and hurt towards the one's closest to me. I am truly sorry as those should be the one's I love the most and give my best to. This doesn't mean that we can't be "real" and help each other in times of need, and resolve problems together, it's more in how we go about it. Help me to have a pure heart in everything I do.

If I am a friend of You, dear Lord - how can I manifest that better to others? I shouldn't get "lazy" just because I know my friends will forgive me, and I shouldn't vomit on those dearest to me with the excuse, "it's just me and I'm going to have to deal with it". No, Lord, I now see that when I behave that way, it's THEM that has to deal with it, and if I've caused pain to those I care about, Lord I am truly sorry, and I pray that they forgive me as well. I shouldn't behave badly just because I think "they'll understand", or that I can apologize later. If it's something I could have prevented, I shouldn't be having to say I'm sorry.

Lord, this takes me back to where I talked with You about giving me reminders in my life to keep my focus on You. Help me to place those reminders, as You are revealing my need for them in so many ways! Remind me that my love is an action, and I must never think, "we've made it" and stop giving it out because I've achieved something. A house not tended to will slowly fall, pipes will rust, paint fade. I must remain steadfast in my friendships, thank You for revealing that to me!

Lord also, as SOON as an ill feeling befalls me, get my attention Lord!! So that I may release it to you before behaving unjustly, and before reacting poorly. Let me give it to YOU so that I may respond to the situation in love! Please help me put the brakes on so I may not let anyone down unintentionally, Lord. I have little eyes in my life that are ever watchful. Help me to be a good example, and help me to never behave in a way that allows them to see me as lesser than I should be. Lord I love you, and I am walking in Your way more and more each day, and it takes effort, but the result is so joyful, and so meaningful. Let me apply that to my friendships and marriage Lord! Father, most of all, I pray that you never permit me to be that friend that David was speaking of.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

And a friend's a friend forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
For the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go,
In the Father's hands we know
that a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends..
*Michael W Smith*

S.O.A.P. for 03/23/2009 Traveling on....

S: DEUT.1:6-8a
The Lord our God spoke to us in Horeb, saying: "You have dwelt long enough at this mountain. Turn and take your journey, and go to the mountains of the Amorites, to all the neighboring places in the plain, in the mountains and in the lowland, in the South and on the seacoast, to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, as far as the great river, the River Euphrates. See, I have set the land before you; GO in and possess the land which the Lord swore to your fathers."

O: God was telling them that their time in the desert was done. They were to obey Him and move on to what was promised to them. They were to demonstrate their Faith and obedience and just "go" because the Lord said it was time. God was reminding them of his covenant with them, telling them that it was time. These people now had a responsibility to simply obey & follow through so that God could also follow through Himself. They were expected to just have Faith and see what wonderful things the Lord would give to them if they would just obey, believe, and follow.

A: If God prods me to move, how tightly do I try to hold on to the things I already have to try not to? How diligently do I fight to stay right where I am , when maybe there's something more, something bigger, just around the bend, but instead of seeing it as an adventure, in my selfishness to hold on to what I have managed to gain at this point, I've become more "chicken", then strong. It takes more strength and courage to sacrifice what I call "mine" to obtain something bigger!!! God expects so much more from me, and He has great plans, and holds great promises for me, if I would only go where He sends me...if only I would trust and obey.

How hard do I work to keep things the same, when God may be shaking His head at me because He has so much MORE to give me that I may be ignoring by not being "willing". What if God is telling me I'm ready for something more? When God tells me to break camp and move out to face a challenge that He has given me, will I be ready to obey? For just the chance at something bigger, something more wonderful, even if it's just a lesson that helps me get that much more closer to Him, will I be able to let go of what I've been clinging to so tightly? Is what I've been clinging to worldly? And does it really matter in the whole scheme of things? I need to heed the Lord's call on my life and be willing to go "where He sends me" no matter the cost, because the reward could so easily outweigh the cost! Praise God! I must be willing to sacrifice what I have in order to make room for what may lie ahead!

P: Abba, Father,
Glorious, loving Father. I love You so very much, and I thank You for the careful and sometimes uncomfortable leading. I thank You for always bringing fresh opportunities for growth into my life, I pray that I may never miss out on one for the sake of staying "safe". I pray that my heart may always be courageous enough to go when and where you lead me. You have a great plan and a great reward for those who would but trust and obey. My life is just training for something bigger and more wonderful than I can even comprehend!!

I pray that I never lose sight of the prize, and that I never hold on too tightly to things of this world, so that I may easily let go in order to follow You. Help me learn to obtain real treasures that I may take with me into eternity with You, Father! Let me never hold on to things that will turn to dust, and let me ever keep my eyes up and focused on You, that I may follow You, and never be distracted by glitter. Father, I pray for the Faith to know that wherever You take me, there You will be...

In Jesus Name,
Amen

I will follow Him
Follow Him whereever He may go
And near Him I always will be
For nothing can keep me away
He is my destiny

I will follow Him
Ever since He touched my heart I knew
There isn't an ocean too deep
A moutain so high it can keep
Keep me away
Away from His love

I love Him, I love Him, I love Him
And where He goes I'll follow, I'll follow, I'll follow
I will follow Him
Follow Him wherever He may go
There isn't an ocean too deep
A moutain so high it can keep
Keep me away!
*Leslie Gore*