Quit the Blame Game

Aug 7, 2019 | SOAP Journal

SCRIPTURE: Zephaniah 1-3; John 9 Jesus said, “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while...

Not Something Alien

May 21, 2019 | SOAP Journal

SCRIPTURE: 1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4; Psalm 98; Romans 2 When outsiders who have never heard of God’s law follow it more or less by instinct, they confirm its truth by their obedience. They show that God’s law is not something alien, imposed on us from without, but...

Hard to Love

May 15, 2019 | SOAP Journal

SCRIPTURE: 1 Chronicles 25-27; 1 Thessalonians 4 Regarding life together and getting along with each other, you don’t need me to tell you what to do. You’re God-taught in these matters. Just love one another! You’re already good at it; your friends all over the...

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...