FIRST Priority

SOAP #11 – FIRST Priority

Scripture:

Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:33-34 ESV

Observation:

Jesus addresses basic worries of food, drink, clothing. Those were major issues in his followers’ daily lives. Today people have the same worries, but in a much-expanded version as jobs end, bills pile up and prices rise. But there is only ONE solution to worry: “Seek first the kingdom of God.” Jesus says this is to be our focus. Then God will take care of what we need.

Application:

It’s all too easy for me to worry about tomorrow and the things that “might” happen. It sounds too simple to put God and His Kingdom first. But I know God is faithful and will keep me in perfect peace as I focus on Him, not on my troubles or worries. As I make God and His kingdom my FIRST priority, I can relax in His care, instead of worrying.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, forgive me for the times I have worried and fretted about “tomorrow” and its troubles. Help me focus on You and Your Kingdom. Give me sensitivity to what You want me to do right now. Give me Grace to seek You first and then help me place my life and everything else in Your hands. Thank You for Your promise. Amen

MUCH Fruit

Scripture:

Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser…every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit….Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” John 15:1-4 ESV

Observation:

The vine and branches analogy is a reminder of total dependence on the Lord. There is no life in a branch without the flow of the Vine’s life. Just as a branch separated from the vine will dry up and die, so apart from Jesus there is no life or fruitfulness. Father God, as the vinedresser, “prunes” each vine, not as a punishment, but to make it more fruitful.

Application:

Jesus urges me to “abide” and live in Him. Why? So He can fill me and enable me to fulfill my purpose and be all I can be as a fruitful branch. How amazing that Jesus wants to live in me and produce fruit through me. I am not able to produce lasting fruit unless I receive my life, my strength and my purpose from and through Jesus. So how can I make sure I’m living in Him? By reading His Word, “feeding” and meditating on it, and taking time to communicate with Him all during the day.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, forgive me for the times when I’ve made decisions, done things, and worked on my own, I need Your life, Your strength, and Your direction. Let Your life flow in me. Fill me with Your Spirit. By Your Word, prune and shape my thoughts, my actions, my plans. Produce fruit—much fruit—in my life that will bless those around me. Thank You for being my Life, my Source, my Vine. Amen.

Call to Prayer for Our Enemies

SOAP #9 – A CALL TO PRAYER for Our Enemies

Scripture:

Jesus told His disciples, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:44-45 NKJV

Observation:

Some of Jesus’ first teachings challenged His followers to cultivate a new set of character traits. Jesus gives bold directives to His followers: love, pray, give, bless, and serve. We are to act and react in love—like our Father in heaven.

Application:

The past weeks have again revealed people who hate Americans, who hate Christians. I am challenged by Jesus’ words to pray for those who want to destroy and bring down our country. And I need His help so I can display His love and forgiveness everywhere I go and to everyone in my life.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I come in Jesus' Name to pray and intercede for the enemies who plan and plot destruction against our nation. By Your mercy and love, turn their hearts and minds. Reveal Yourself to them. Confound every evil plan. Also help me forgive all who hurt me as I seek to be a demonstration of Your love in my world today. Amen.