Romans 2 - 10.9.24
Scripture
Romans 2:1-4 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
Observation
Paul warns the Romans to be careful not to judge others.
Application
It’s easy to think that God doesn’t speak to me because I don’t hear an audible or voice or have dreams. But I know he does speak to me in other ways, like confirmation. On Sunday, Pastor Levi shared from Matthew 7:3-5:
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
And the very next day, preparing this SOAP Journal, I read the exact same thing. Obviously, God is trying to teach me something and I need to listen.
I believe God is telling me that I need to closely focus on my walk with him. I need to ask him to search my heart and reveal areas of sin. I need to give up pride, thinking that I am right or I know better than others. And I need to bring my concerns to him.
Phillipians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Prayer
Thank you God for being persistent in your message to me. Thank you that you do speak to me if I will only listen. Forgive me for my pride and judgement of others. Help me to pray for others and love them as you do.
- Debbie Dunn
Romans 1 - 10.8.24
SCRIPTURE
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:16 – 17
OBSERVATION
Paul is writing to the believers in Rome where he recounts his desire to come and encourage them all. He writes in verse 11 “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” He shares his passion, obligation, and eagerness to share the gospel with “Greeks, non-Greeks, wise and the foolish.” Paul’s deep passion was in sharing the gospel to everyone and encourage the faithful.
Paul then solidifies his position as a believer in the gospel message and that God provides salvation to “everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” See when Jesus died on the cross, salvation was now open to ALL. Matthew 27:50 – 52 says “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.” The torn curtain symbolized that the barrier between God and man had been removed.
APPLICATION
When I was a kid, I would eagerly watch The Ten Commandments every year. I was in awe of God’s power that was shown in the movie. Later I found a Bible and decided to read along the entire story that was shown in The Ten Commandments movie. I was brought to faith by the power of God shown in the Old Testament scriptures. His Word brings faith. That’s why reading God’s Word, the Bible, is so important for us: it grows our faith more and more.
While reading the Old Testament scriptures, I realized how special the Jewish people were to God. I wondered if a non-Jewish person would be special to God as well. Later, when the salvation was message was shared with me, I realized God did love me as well. Paul’s message in this scripture solidifies what I experienced by faith: that God’s salvation message is for everyone!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your love that is never ending. Throughout time you’ve shown that your love endures. In the beginning, your message was only for the Jews. It was exclusive. After Jesus, the salvation message is for everyone. Hallelujah!! You came, died for our sins, and rose again for each of us. I’m so grateful for your saving grace. Help me to never forget and never take for granted that your love is for all. Help me to share your love with everyone in every circumstance. Thank you, Lord, for opening your gift of salvation for all.
- Mary Oberg
Deuteronomy 31 - 10.7.24
Scripture
Deuteronomy 31:6-8, 23 NIV
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”….23The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.””
Observation
Moses was telling the Israelites that he wasn’t going to cross over to the Promised Land with them and that he was getting older; however, Joshua, was going to lead them into the land that the Lord had promised to them. Moses had to encourage the Israelites to be strong, courageous and unafraid, because the Lord would be with them. He also commissioned Joshua and said the same thing to him. Then in verse 23, God commanded the same thing to Joshua!
If the words of being “strong, courageous, not afraid and not discouraged because of God’s presence with you” shows up 3 separate times in this passage, it must be important.
Application
Do it afraid.
I remember our guest speaker Nicole (who is a missionary to the Middle East), speak about how she does a lot of things afraid. Sometimes, God calls us to do things completely out of our comfort zone or completely out of what we want. Because He is God, of course we must submit and be obedient, but it’s not always easy. I want to encourage us all that whatever fears we have about what God is calling us to do, whether at work, church ministry or in daily life, He is with us, so we don’t have to be discouraged, but rather can be strong and courageous.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank You for always calling out the best in me. Thank You that no matter what I have to face in life or what you are calling me to do, that You are with me and I don’t need to be afraid. Thank You Lord for the reminder that we don’t need to stay stuck in fear, because we have Your strength, courage, and presence with us. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi