Get It Straight

May 11, 2019 | SOAP Journal

SCRIPTURE: 2 Samuel 19-20; Psalm 55; Matthew 28 “There’s an old saying in these parts: ‘If it’s answers you want, come to Abel and get it straight.’ We’re a peaceful people here, and reliable. And here you are, trying to tear down one of Israel’s mother cities. Why...

Turn Their Hearts

May 10, 2019 | SOAP Journal

SCRIPTURE: 2 Sam. 18; Ps. 56; Matt. 27 They don’t let up—    they smear my reputation    and huddle to plot my collapse.They gang up,    sneak together through the alleysTo take me by surprise,    wait their chance to get me. Psalm 56:5-6 MSG OBSERVATIONS: Character...

Why This Charade?

May 9, 2019 | SOAP Journal

SCRIPTURE: 2 Sam. 17; Ps. 71; Matt. 26 Jesus said, “Friend, why this charade?” Matthew 26:50 MSG OBSERVATIONS: Jesus saw the one who would betray him. He saw the double-dealings of the religious authorities. And he found a way to stay true to himself and deal with the...

Return on Investment

May 8, 2019 | SOAP Journal

SCRIPTURE: 2 Sam. 15-16; Ps. 32; Matt. 25 “‘Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this “play-it-safe” who won’t go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness.’ Matthew 25:28-30 MSG OBSERVATIONS: This parable seems to...

The Worst?

May 7, 2019 | SOAP Journal

SCRIPTURE: 2 Samuel 13-14; Matthew 24 Just then, Jonadab, [David’s] brother Shimeah’s son, stepped up. “My master must not think that all the young men, the king’s sons, are dead. Only Amnon is dead. This happened because of Absalom’s outrage since the day that...