God Brings Us Back

SOAP #15 - God Brings Us Back to Himself

Scripture:

“Fear not, for I am with you;
I will bring your offspring from the east,
and from the west I will gather you.
I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold;
bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the end of the earth,
everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made." Isaiah 43:5-7 ESV

Observation:

What a promise God makes to encourage the heart of every parent, grandparent and family member. When loved ones go their own way, God is the One who brings them back to Himself. He created each of us for His glory. He can rescue our family members from the hand of the enemy and redeem their lives. All those whom God has formed and made, who are called by His name, can and will be brought back by His immense love.

Application:

God sees everyone and knows every circumstance. He alone understands why each of us have strayed. And God alone knows how to draw each person into His arms of love once again. His Word gives me great hope for all my family members and loved ones. Instead of fussing and fuming about situations beyond my control, I will lift my voice in praise to the One who mercifully draws each of us close.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I lift up each of my loved ones who have strayed “afar” from You. I know You are the One who brings conviction. It’s not my job. You are the One who stretches out Your hand in love and draws me close to You. And I praise You that You WILL do that for my loved ones. I stand and intercede for each of them now. Thank You for Your encouraging promise! Amen.

Step Ahead . . even when it's dark.

SOAP #14 - Step Ahead, even when it’s dark.

Scripture:

“And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know,
in paths that they have not known I will guide them.
I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground.
These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16 ESV

Observation:

God lets us know ahead of time that there are unknown, un-traveled paths ahead. Even though the way is dark and rough, and we have no idea what to do next or how we will make it through, we can trust God’s promise: God is leading. God is guiding. He is here and will not forsake us His beloved children.

Application:

Why do I experience “rough” and dark paths? God says He deliberately leads me on a path that is unfamiliar and difficult. So it shouldn’t surprise me when the “going gets tough.” Difficulties are not a sign that I am in the wrong place or that God has forsaken me. Quite the contrary. I am to expect God to turn darkness into light as I walk ahead. He is the one who will make rough places “level.” It’s His job. It’s His promise.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I can’t see the road ahead. I feel like I’m taking baby steps as I seek to follow You. Help me trust Your promise to bring “light” into my darkness. Help me trust Your presence with me, and that You will guide me each day. I’m so thankful You will never let go of me. Amen.

Be Still

SOAP #12 – Be Still!

Scripture:

“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.” Psalm 37:7-8 ESV

Observation:

God is concerned about attitudes. It’s all to easy to get upset about what others do or don’t do, especially when evil plans are being carried out. Anger, fretting, and fussing are not part of God’s plan for His children. Angry thoughts and words not only hurt other people, it hurts the one who is angry. God’s admonition is to “be still” and to “wait patiently.”

Application:

It’s easier to get upset about what others do or don’t do than it is to be still and rest in the Lord. But I have a choice. Will I patiently trust God? Or will I fuss and fret? Instead of getting upset with other people, I can quietly trust and wait for God to do HIS good work in my life and in the lives of others.

Prayer:

Thank You, dear Lord, for reminding me NOT to fret and fuss, which is my natural tendency. Forgive my irritability and my judgment of others. Give me grace to quietly rest everything in You. Help me patiently wait for Your intervention and help, instead of getting angry at others. I want be still and know that You are God. Amen.

What an Amazing God!

SOAP #11 – What an amazing God!

Scripture:

”I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies..” Psalm 18:1-3 ESV

Observation:

These strong picture images of God describe His immense power and loving care. This God---a rock, a refuge, a fortress, a deliverer, a shield, a stronghold--is able to rescue and help at all times and in all situations. God is worthy of all praise and worship and thanksgiving.

Application:

My almighty God cares about every difficulty, challenge, and threat in my life. He is the one I can run to, the One I can depend upon, the One who guards and shields me in times of trouble, danger, or discouragement. My response, like David’s, is to call upon the Lord, praise Him and trust His saving power in my life.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for all the ways You bless my life with Your presence. I trust You to be my strength. I run to You. I lean on You and totally depend on You. Help me serve You each day without fear of the future. I rest in You. Hear my prayer and receive my thanksgiving for Jesus’ sake. Amen.