Category: S.O.A.P. Devotionals


There Is Hope in Suffering

Filed under: Breaking the fourth, Christianity, S.O.A.P. Devotionals — 2 Comments
May 26, 2023

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)

In suffering, we can do one of two things. We can give up or go on. When we choose to go on in the Lord, this is perseverance. Sometimes, it might not seem like we are persevering, but if we haven’t given up, we have endured. If you are here today reading this, you have stood firm. Since you have persevered, you have both character and hope.

Each time we go through something, we have persevered. Each time our character and hope have grown. All this to the glory of God.

So remember that as you are going through something, it’s not the first time you’ve suffered. This is the character or experience you have gained from suffering. Since God has brought you out of adversity before, he can do it again.

Father, I praise you today for who you are. Thank you for bringing me through suffering. Thank you for lifting my head and spirit when I feel low. Please help me to see that you are always with me, that you’ll never leave or forsake me, and that if you brought me through before, you can do it again. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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SOAP Devotion on 1 Kings 1:29

Filed under: Breaking the fourth, Christianity, Daily Devotional Thoughts, S.O.A.P. Devotionals — Leave a comment
May 17, 2023

The king then took an oath: “As surely as the Lord lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble.”

1 Kings 1:29 (NIV)

In this verse, David doesn’t say the Lord only delivered him out of some trouble or only those troubles David had nothing to do with. No, David says, “every trouble.” Yet, the Lord still delivered David from every situation. Most of the problems in David’s life didn’t come from his time before he was king when Saul tried to kill him, but after he became king when most of his problems were because of things he did.

As much as I might try to live a perfect life in Christ, I will make mistakes and even sin, bringing trouble for myself. However, as long as I keep my hand in the Lord’s hand, he will deliver me from every situation. I find this comforting because when I sin or make a mistake, I can trust that the Lord has already worked out whatever needs to be done. Indeed, before I sinned or made a mistake, God already knew about it and worked it into his good and perfect plan.

Father, I praise you for who you are. Thank you for reminding me today that I cannot mess up the plans you have for me. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you for this glorious day you have made. Lord, if some are worried today about the problems they have caused in their lives, please bring them the comfort and peace to remember that you’ve already worked it out. Please help us to remember that nothing can snatch us from your hands. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Why Do Strangers Insult You?

Filed under: Christianity, Daily Devotional Thoughts, S.O.A.P. Devotionals — Leave a comment
April 19, 2023

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”

Matthew 5:11 (NIV)

Have you ever encountered a stranger who berates or insults you for no apparent reason? Someone who treats you with contempt though you don’t know them and could never have done anything to them to warrant such anger and hatred? If that person isn’t a Christian, they don’t have the Holy Spirit. If someone doesn’t have the Holy Spirit, then that means the spirit they do have is of the world, and we must remember that the spirit of the world hates God. Therefore, that person could treat you with disdain because of who you are in Christ.

When we encounter anyone who treats us poorly, we must love and pray for them. It doesn’t mean we have to hang around with them. Not only might they wonder why we don’t respond to them in kind, but they might also be turned around and saved. Still, if we consider that the spirit inside of them hates the Spirit inside of us, how much more should we be loving and kind?

Father, I praise you for who you are. Thank you for this insight today. Please help me to be loving and kind to everyone I encounter. No matter how they behave. Lord, let my light shine before them so they will see and praise you inside me. Thank you for doing this. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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SOAP Devotional on 2 Corinthians 13:5

Filed under: Christianity, Daily Devotional Thoughts, S.O.A.P. Devotionals — Leave a comment
April 14, 2023

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?

2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)

It’s much easier to see fault in others while ignoring our imperfections. Instead of trying to find flaws in those who profess faith in Christ, we would be better off focusing on our walk with the Lord. Indeed, those who often point out “false” Believers might be surprised if they spent time examining themselves through the Lord’s eyes.

If I think that someone else isn’t a “true” Believer or start pointing out how they aren’t living up to their calling, I need to repent and ask the Lord to show me myself and help me be the man he called me to be.

Lord, I praise and magnify you today. I repent of those times when I doubted the sincerity of those who have called themselves Christian or thought others were failing their duties. Lord, I know I’m in no place to correct others if there’s a plank in my eye. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Please open my eyes to see, ears to hear, and heart to understand your pleasing and perfect will. Please show me where I might be failing you and help me be a better man. Thank you for doing this. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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