S--Luke 11:37-54
O--I'm always appalled when I read this section because Jesus is so blunt and honest and the Pharisees just get mad because they know it's true (okay, that part isn't in the bible, but they are certainly offended). Jesus points out that they follow all of the rules, but "neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone."
Jesus knew the rules. He purposely did not wash his hands, and I'm willing to believe that he did this on purpose. The whole point is to keep the justice and love of God.
A--I'm generally a loving person. But there are certainly times that I can get caught up in the "religion" or "legalism" of things and forget the main point. I don't think I necessarily struggled with this today, but it's a good lesson to keep in mind for the days that I get done and say, "Lord, I did all of the things I should have done today, but something wasn't right..."
P--Lord, help to keep from the habit of "doing" just to "do." Help me to "do" because I love you and I love those around me. Help me to remember why I do the things I do.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
SOAP: Super-natural
S--Luke 11:29-32 "...wicked generation. It asks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah..." (29b).
O--Jesus is unhappy with the people's ability to believe, even after they just witnessed him do a miracle (in v 14). They are always asking for "a sign." He expresses that these unbelieving people will receive condemnation from those of Ninevah, who--through Jonah--were able to hear of God's disapproval of their actions and repent of those sins.
A--While this wasn't the first passage to jump out at me, it was definitely the most convicting. Lately I find myself asking God for "a sign." Perhaps not in those words, but I long to see the super-natural. I want to see a miracle. I want to see a healed hand, or personally witness an incurable disease being healed, or a known cynic-turned-faithful. I don't know why, but I want to be a part of that. I want to see!
I may not have Christ casting out demons in front of me, but I am convicted because I've seen my share of miracles: My nephew--born at 25 weeks and 2 lbs 5 ounces--is now 13 and completely healthy. I've experienced God's calling to an extent that was beyond my capabilities--and watched him provide the means. And I've personally experienced a very hard heart, that wanted to give up on many levels, and prayed that God would soften my impossibly hard heart and then a split-second later felt a peace that was beyond anything I could have ever imagined. More recently, I've had the power of healing on my own life as a spirit of fear was preventing me from living the way God intended, and a friend put oil on my head and prayed for me. I slept that night for the first time in weeks.
P--Lord, please forgive me for being so unbelieving. In the words of the boy's father (Mark 9:24), "Help me overcome my unbelief!" Even just remembering the ways you have worked miracles in my life has lifted my spirits and my hope. It has reminded me of your power and your presence. I'm so grateful for the ways you have worked in my life. Thank you for your mercy, for being patient with me, and for saving me. Amen.
O--Jesus is unhappy with the people's ability to believe, even after they just witnessed him do a miracle (in v 14). They are always asking for "a sign." He expresses that these unbelieving people will receive condemnation from those of Ninevah, who--through Jonah--were able to hear of God's disapproval of their actions and repent of those sins.
A--While this wasn't the first passage to jump out at me, it was definitely the most convicting. Lately I find myself asking God for "a sign." Perhaps not in those words, but I long to see the super-natural. I want to see a miracle. I want to see a healed hand, or personally witness an incurable disease being healed, or a known cynic-turned-faithful. I don't know why, but I want to be a part of that. I want to see!
I may not have Christ casting out demons in front of me, but I am convicted because I've seen my share of miracles: My nephew--born at 25 weeks and 2 lbs 5 ounces--is now 13 and completely healthy. I've experienced God's calling to an extent that was beyond my capabilities--and watched him provide the means. And I've personally experienced a very hard heart, that wanted to give up on many levels, and prayed that God would soften my impossibly hard heart and then a split-second later felt a peace that was beyond anything I could have ever imagined. More recently, I've had the power of healing on my own life as a spirit of fear was preventing me from living the way God intended, and a friend put oil on my head and prayed for me. I slept that night for the first time in weeks.
P--Lord, please forgive me for being so unbelieving. In the words of the boy's father (Mark 9:24), "Help me overcome my unbelief!" Even just remembering the ways you have worked miracles in my life has lifted my spirits and my hope. It has reminded me of your power and your presence. I'm so grateful for the ways you have worked in my life. Thank you for your mercy, for being patient with me, and for saving me. Amen.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
SOAP Justified
S--Luke 10:25-29
O--When I first realized that today's reading ended at Luke 10:29, I was confused and thought it odd to stop reading in the middle of a story. But it made me focus on the first part of the story, the part where the lawyer questions Jesus about inheriting eternal life. In turn, Jesus gives the lawyer the opportunity to form his own opinion of what the law says.
At first glance, I thought I remembered Jesus saying these very words of "Love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." But I was shocked to realize that in this story, the lawyer gives that definition without any prompting. In the book of Matthew, Jesus is prompted with this same question and Jesus answers himself. I can only think that perhaps the lawyer in Luke was at the meeting recorded in Matthew 22:35-40...otherwise how would he know to combine Deut 6:5 with "Love your neighbor as yourself?"
In Matthew 19, another man asks Jesus about inheriting eternal life, and Jesus quotes part of the ten commandments. This man was grieved when, in addition, Jesus asked him to sell all of his riches and give them to the poor (v21-22)
Why are we always wanting to be justified? Why is it that we so much want eternal life, but no one wants to give himself fully to Jesus? The lawyer wanted to be justified in his actions of not loving his neighbor. The rich man didn't want to give up his wealth.
A--I wonder what I am holding back from God. How am I being unloving to my "neighbor" and how am I trying to justify myself and how does this need to change?
(meditation)
This meditation didn't take long before God literally rested my eyes on some paperwork that has been causing tension between my husband and I. God is telling me to be patient and let my husband lead in the way he needs to lead. Not in the way I want him to lead.
I've been pushing my husband for some additional life insurance ever since he started instructing (notice I didn't think combat was nearly as dangerous:) ) But, for whatever reason, my husband has put it off. We finally made some headway this weekend, but I'm still frustrated over it's incompleteness. I'm so afraid that something will happen to one of us and that the surviving spouse will have regret over needing more money. It seems petty and morbid, but it's a valid fear. God is reminding me as I type that our lives are in his hands and if the life insurance is necessary then he will let it happen in due time. In addition, he reminds me that--life insurance or not--he is always going to be there for us and that he will be our provider in any circumstance.
P--Lord, I know I've been bothered by this for way too long. Please help me to having a loving heart and to trust my husband with this decision. Also, help him to have the wisdom to know the how, when and how much. Amen.
O--When I first realized that today's reading ended at Luke 10:29, I was confused and thought it odd to stop reading in the middle of a story. But it made me focus on the first part of the story, the part where the lawyer questions Jesus about inheriting eternal life. In turn, Jesus gives the lawyer the opportunity to form his own opinion of what the law says.
At first glance, I thought I remembered Jesus saying these very words of "Love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." But I was shocked to realize that in this story, the lawyer gives that definition without any prompting. In the book of Matthew, Jesus is prompted with this same question and Jesus answers himself. I can only think that perhaps the lawyer in Luke was at the meeting recorded in Matthew 22:35-40...otherwise how would he know to combine Deut 6:5 with "Love your neighbor as yourself?"
In Matthew 19, another man asks Jesus about inheriting eternal life, and Jesus quotes part of the ten commandments. This man was grieved when, in addition, Jesus asked him to sell all of his riches and give them to the poor (v21-22)
Why are we always wanting to be justified? Why is it that we so much want eternal life, but no one wants to give himself fully to Jesus? The lawyer wanted to be justified in his actions of not loving his neighbor. The rich man didn't want to give up his wealth.
A--I wonder what I am holding back from God. How am I being unloving to my "neighbor" and how am I trying to justify myself and how does this need to change?
(meditation)
This meditation didn't take long before God literally rested my eyes on some paperwork that has been causing tension between my husband and I. God is telling me to be patient and let my husband lead in the way he needs to lead. Not in the way I want him to lead.
I've been pushing my husband for some additional life insurance ever since he started instructing (notice I didn't think combat was nearly as dangerous:) ) But, for whatever reason, my husband has put it off. We finally made some headway this weekend, but I'm still frustrated over it's incompleteness. I'm so afraid that something will happen to one of us and that the surviving spouse will have regret over needing more money. It seems petty and morbid, but it's a valid fear. God is reminding me as I type that our lives are in his hands and if the life insurance is necessary then he will let it happen in due time. In addition, he reminds me that--life insurance or not--he is always going to be there for us and that he will be our provider in any circumstance.
P--Lord, I know I've been bothered by this for way too long. Please help me to having a loving heart and to trust my husband with this decision. Also, help him to have the wisdom to know the how, when and how much. Amen.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
SOAP Still confused
Sorry girls, I keep forgetting to post my SOAPs! Anyway, here is today's:
S--Luke 9:28-36
O--They knew it was Moses and Elijah. Peter even refers to them as so.
A--I've never really understood why the "Transfiguration" (as we have later dubbed it) was in the bible. I've never quite understood what God could teach me through this event. Even more weird to me is the fact that Peter recognizes two people paramount to the Jewish faith, but whom he has likely never seen pictures of :) How did he know who they were? Did he hear Jesus call them by name? Where they in spirit form that Peter supernaturally saw, or did they come in human form?
The only piece I can find as helpful is when God speaks and calls Jesus his Son. I think that this is a key point in the Christian faith as we are often questioned about whether or not Jesus really is God's son.
P--Lord, I know that you have a reason for this passage. I know that there is something you will want to teach me someday. I pray that, in the mean time, you help me to remember that Jesus really is your son and that the implications of that fact are far more important than most lessons I could learn. Thank you for sending your son.
S--Luke 9:28-36
O--They knew it was Moses and Elijah. Peter even refers to them as so.
A--I've never really understood why the "Transfiguration" (as we have later dubbed it) was in the bible. I've never quite understood what God could teach me through this event. Even more weird to me is the fact that Peter recognizes two people paramount to the Jewish faith, but whom he has likely never seen pictures of :) How did he know who they were? Did he hear Jesus call them by name? Where they in spirit form that Peter supernaturally saw, or did they come in human form?
The only piece I can find as helpful is when God speaks and calls Jesus his Son. I think that this is a key point in the Christian faith as we are often questioned about whether or not Jesus really is God's son.
P--Lord, I know that you have a reason for this passage. I know that there is something you will want to teach me someday. I pray that, in the mean time, you help me to remember that Jesus really is your son and that the implications of that fact are far more important than most lessons I could learn. Thank you for sending your son.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
SOAP: Pointing My Finger
S--- Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
O---This whole passage discusses how we should treat other people..."Love your enemies" and "bless those who curse you" and "be merciful." It is no accident that it is the first account (at least in Luke) where Christ addresses his newly-appointed "Twelve." Jesus makes sure that his followers understand that they are to act differently than expected.
(Meditation)...God, what are you saying to me??? I'm definitely avoiding verses 41 and 42 right now...and there's probably a reason for that.
A--- God is telling me something. He wants me to be merciful to a particular someone. I don't want to be merciful. I want to be honest and blunt and point my finger. I guess that's why Jesus also includes verses 41-42...because I'm always quick to point the finger. I need to let go of some things. So does this mean I don't get to speak up? Does this mean I have to be quiet about the way I feel I've been wronged?
I don't have those answers yet. But I'm guessing that, if at all, I shouldn't speak up until I've dealt with myself.
P--- Lord, help me to be merciful. And help me to know how to handle this situation. And, most of all, change my heart so that I can see things through your eyes.
O---This whole passage discusses how we should treat other people..."Love your enemies" and "bless those who curse you" and "be merciful." It is no accident that it is the first account (at least in Luke) where Christ addresses his newly-appointed "Twelve." Jesus makes sure that his followers understand that they are to act differently than expected.
(Meditation)...God, what are you saying to me??? I'm definitely avoiding verses 41 and 42 right now...and there's probably a reason for that.
A--- God is telling me something. He wants me to be merciful to a particular someone. I don't want to be merciful. I want to be honest and blunt and point my finger. I guess that's why Jesus also includes verses 41-42...because I'm always quick to point the finger. I need to let go of some things. So does this mean I don't get to speak up? Does this mean I have to be quiet about the way I feel I've been wronged?
I don't have those answers yet. But I'm guessing that, if at all, I shouldn't speak up until I've dealt with myself.
P--- Lord, help me to be merciful. And help me to know how to handle this situation. And, most of all, change my heart so that I can see things through your eyes.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
SOAP: Because I Said So!
If you have children, you've certainly said that line before!
"But why, Mommy?"
"Because I said so! Just trust me!"
Today I was reading Luke 5, and the verse that popped out at me was 5:5. At first I didn't know why it stood out, but as I read it and thought about it some more, it came to me:
S---"Simon answered, 'Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.'"
O---Simon hadn't had success, but because Jesus asked him to, he obeyed.
A---Sometimes God asks us to do something we don't have faith in. But it's not the action we should have faith in anyway. It's the God who is giving the command!
P---Lord, help me to have the faith to do what you ask, regardless of my previous experiences. Because you said so.
"But why, Mommy?"
"Because I said so! Just trust me!"
Today I was reading Luke 5, and the verse that popped out at me was 5:5. At first I didn't know why it stood out, but as I read it and thought about it some more, it came to me:
S---"Simon answered, 'Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.'"
O---Simon hadn't had success, but because Jesus asked him to, he obeyed.
A---Sometimes God asks us to do something we don't have faith in. But it's not the action we should have faith in anyway. It's the God who is giving the command!
P---Lord, help me to have the faith to do what you ask, regardless of my previous experiences. Because you said so.
The Truth Hurts
As my husband and I filled out school applications for the kids last night, I found it sad that I didn't have anyone in my city to list as "Emergency Contact." We've been here 15 months and I haven't even made friends in my city! Actually, there is one and she is up the street, and although we aren't extremely close she is listed as a pickup contact since there truly is nobody else (Hmm, maybe I should tell her this?). Don't worry, she's a fellow pilot's wife and for some reason we all trust each other. It comes with the territory of being military and not having a choice. And, truth be told, she is becoming a closer friend, even if we don't share the same faith.
Today God spoke to me not through his word, but through prayer. I was getting a pedicure done and had some time to think...it was a great use of a Groupon deal! Anyway, at first I started reading a book, but I knew that I haven't been spending enough time lately actually talking to God. I've been doing the SOAP, saying my prayers, but I'm not always the greatest about just spending some "talk time" with him. I've had some struggles lately and I really needed to talk to him about them.
So I told him. I admitted that I don't ever play with my boys and yet it's the one thing I want to improve upon. I admitted that I am always trying to get things done or playing around on the internet or getting pulled into social websites...artificial friendships and all. And I admitted that I'm still frustrated over the fact that we've lived here for 15 months and I've yet to make a friend that I can call upon on a weekly basis. A Christian friend. It's not that I don't value my non-Christian friends (I really do!), it's that I need someone I can talk with who will give me Christian advice. I need someone who can relate. I need someone in my area. I need to get over the fact that most of my "close" friends aren't anywhere close...or even in the same country. I've wanted to get better about this for so long, and I'm frustrated that I can't seem to get past the "I want to spend time with my kids" to "I am spending time with my kids." Or, "I want to have lessFacebook friends and more real friends" to "I finally have some close-vicinity friends!"
And do you know what God said? He said, "If you're needing wisdom on making friends, you need to let go of the distant ones and focus on the things I want you to do right now. So the next time you're tempted to check your email or yourFacebook , walk away and spend time with your kids. Do this simple act of obedience, and my wisdom will come to you about the friendship. Obey in one area, so I can give you wisdom in another. Even if they are completely unrelated. It's the very thing you taught about last week."
Yikes. Convicted. So do you know what? That's what I'm going to do. Every time I'm tempted to "waste time" I'm going to spend time with my kids. Shouldn't I be motivated to do that anyway? Why don't I want to play with them? But for whatever reason, this is another motivation: That in the process of obedience I will gain wisdom.
And who knows? Maybe I will also gain a liking for playing 10 rounds of Battleship in a row.
Today God spoke to me not through his word, but through prayer. I was getting a pedicure done and had some time to think...it was a great use of a Groupon deal! Anyway, at first I started reading a book, but I knew that I haven't been spending enough time lately actually talking to God. I've been doing the SOAP, saying my prayers, but I'm not always the greatest about just spending some "talk time" with him. I've had some struggles lately and I really needed to talk to him about them.
So I told him. I admitted that I don't ever play with my boys and yet it's the one thing I want to improve upon. I admitted that I am always trying to get things done or playing around on the internet or getting pulled into social websites...artificial friendships and all. And I admitted that I'm still frustrated over the fact that we've lived here for 15 months and I've yet to make a friend that I can call upon on a weekly basis. A Christian friend. It's not that I don't value my non-Christian friends (I really do!), it's that I need someone I can talk with who will give me Christian advice. I need someone who can relate. I need someone in my area. I need to get over the fact that most of my "close" friends aren't anywhere close...or even in the same country. I've wanted to get better about this for so long, and I'm frustrated that I can't seem to get past the "I want to spend time with my kids" to "I am spending time with my kids." Or, "I want to have less
And do you know what God said? He said, "If you're needing wisdom on making friends, you need to let go of the distant ones and focus on the things I want you to do right now. So the next time you're tempted to check your email or your
Yikes. Convicted. So do you know what? That's what I'm going to do. Every time I'm tempted to "waste time" I'm going to spend time with my kids. Shouldn't I be motivated to do that anyway? Why don't I want to play with them? But for whatever reason, this is another motivation: That in the process of obedience I will gain wisdom.
And who knows? Maybe I will also gain a liking for playing 10 rounds of Battleship in a row.
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