Before I get in with the devotional guide, I want you to know that I am really enjoying reading each of your comments and SOAPs. I am sorry I haven’t responded to each of you. Please know that I am reading as I can, and I am praying for you, but, to be honest, I’m overwhelmed with so many other things right now that I haven’t typed comments to each of you. Please know that I am thankful for each of you for joining in and I do enjoy your observations. I love seeing how each of you is experiencing God through this, right alongside me. I hope to devote more time to responding individually in the future but, for now, I just cannot.

Okay… on with the devotional. Thanks for letting me share that.

Before you begin reading, try to clear your mind of all your To-Dos and get ready to focus on God’s messages for you today.

Take a few moments to thank Him for the blessings of yesterday and today.

Next, present all of your requests to Him. No prayer request is too big or too little. He wants to hear it all, so take your time. Your prayer time can be silent or out loud.

Once you’ve prayed through all of your other requests, ask Him to guide you through today’s reading and call your attention to what He wants you to hear specifically.

Next read the passage through once.  If something grabs you, go ahead and begin recording your SOAP observations. If nothing grabs you right away, read it again and ask Him to lead you to the verse or verses where He wants your focus.

After you finish your SOAP observations, do your best to sit quietly, in as  much silence as possible, for 3 minutes. (You might need to set a timer. Often it is harder to do this than it sounds!) Try your best to just listen during that time. You might hear something from the Lord or you might not, but if you don’t give Him this time, it will make it that much harder to hear anything from Him at other times.

Thank Him for the time you spent together and anything else that comes to mind.

Feel free to record your additional thoughts or observations after your listening time, if you would like.

Here is what I heard today in Matthew 4:

Scripture: ( I had 2 jump at me today.)

Matthew 4:4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Matthew 4:7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Observation:

Man lives on EVERY word from God, not just a few nibbles. Studying only part could keep you from understanding the whole message.

Application:

Each of Jesus’ answers here point to a full understanding of the Word.

“Every word,” stuck out to me in verse 4 and, “also written,” grabbed me in verse 7.

Scripture can be, and often is, quoted out of context. The only way you will know if the whole truth is being shared, is if you take the time to explore and read it on your own. Even if something sounds right, take the time to look it up and see what surrounds the message to be sure you are getting the full intention of His words.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for giving us your written word… and now giving it to us in so many convenient formats!

Please guide me in my understanding and studying of your Word as a whole, so that I do not get led astray by partial quotes. Please guide others in this, as well, Lord. Thank you for this warning today.

What did you hear in your  SOAP or listening time? If you’re up for it, I would love to hear all about it! Feel free to  leave a  link to your own blog post about it, provided you link back to this post in your own.

Read through Matthew Chapter One on Monday, but first pray, asking God to guide your reading. You might consider a prayer like this one:

Heavenly Father,

Please guide my reading today. Help me to keep my mind and heart focused on your Word and keep it from wandering to other things. I want this time to be for us alone. Guide me in hearing not only all the words on the page, but especially those messages you have specifically for me today. Thank you, Lord, for this opportunity to learn and to be with you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

As you are reading, think about what God is specifically sharing with you so that you can journal about it using SOAP.

Here is what I heard after I read, prayed some more, and then listened some more:

Scripture: Matthew 1:24

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

Observation:

Joseph had other plans, which were probably well thought out, yet when he heard the instruction given him by the angel of the Lord he followed them directly. He didn’t question or wrestle. He just did as he was instructed.

Application:

This scripture strikes me for two reasons:

1. Joseph had a such a clear instruction. So often I wish I had such clear communication with God. But then, perhaps if I spent more time listening, really listening, I would.

2. I’m amazed that Joseph had the discipline to then just do as he was told. No questioning, no whining, no half-way following. Joseph just did as he was told. I could do a better job of following that example, as well. Perhaps that comes from better listening.

If I was sure that what I was hearing was from God and was meant for me, then I think it would be a whole lot easier to follow those instructions. And I would know better if I spent more time focused on listening.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for opening your Word to me. Please, Lord, guide me in becoming a better listener of you. Guide me in setting aside time for us and not breaking our dates. I want to study your word and then listen to your insight and your messages for me. Please guide me in doing that.

After SOAP

Consider if you have more to learn or if your study time is up. Are there any questions that came up in today’s reading or any a-HA moments?

I especially enjoyed reading the Genealogy of Jesus today, especially after having read the entire Bible in 90 Days. I am beginning to feel like I understand so much more about those people. They are becoming much more than a list to me.

What about you? What did you hear today, SOAP or otherwise? Please share with us in the comments.

Feel free to leave a link to your own blog post about Matthew One, provided you link back to this post, as well.

If you are reading and/ or Blogging Through the Gospels with us, please consider leaving a comment on the general Blogging Through the Gospels post so we can see who else is reading and pray for each other. Thanks.

I am so glad you are making the commitment to read the entire Bible with us. It might get tough at times, but stick to it and keep reading and you won’t regret it.

Today’s reading is Genesis 1:1- Genesis 16:16 (or pages 1-12 if you are using the Bible in 90 Days Bible.)

Today’s Daily SOAP Devotional:

Day 1: I’m to be a helper

Again, thanks for reading with us!

And, please, don’t forget to check in today so that you can begin to meet the others in your accountability group.

If you aren’t already following a daily plan, or you are between plans, I hope you’ll consider joining me. Just jump in on today’s date.

Today’s Reading: John 15-18

Here’s what I heard today using SOAP:

Scripture:  John 15:7-8

7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Observation:

Stay with me,  hear my words and remember them, let them be your guide and then what you ask for you will be given so that others will see my power through you.

Application:

Keeping the words of the God in my heart will help me to keep my focus on the Lord. Keeping my focus in the Lord will allow me to do extraordinary things, all for the glory of God.

Prayer:

Lord, please keep my focus on you.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday things, as well as in the hustle and bustle of serving you, sometimes it is easy to lose sight of your will and instead confuse it with mine. Thank you for this reminder to always place you first and to seek your will and guidance first. When I am in tune with you, you will grant me success and when I am in tune with you, you will be glorified through my efforts.

Lord, please guide me and the Bible in 90 Days lead team as we prepare for and then help all those who want to read your Word in its entirety with us in 90 days. When we get overwhelmed with life, help us to remember to stop, seek you and follow your lead.

I also pray for all those deciding to read with us and those who are already committed. Guide each one in staying close to you so that they may hear your prodding, your encouragement and your word for each of them.

Please, Lord, help each of us to bear much fruit for you. And help our hearts to be in the right place (focused on you) through all of our efforts. For when that happens, there is no doubt much fruit will blossom.

Thank you, Lord, for your love and guidance.

If you aren’t already following a daily plan, or you are between plans, I hope you’ll consider joining me. Just jump in on today’s date.

Today’s Reading: Colossians 1-4

Here’s what I heard today using SOAP:

Scripture: Colossians3:18

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Observation:

Seek and follow your husband’s guidance.

Application:

I like to be in charge of me. Seeking, listening and then following my husband’s guidance is a challenge for me.

The Lord instructs me to do that, though, and so I must.

About a year ago I wanted to blog through the Bible in 90 days and invite others to read with me. I thought it would be fun and also helpful to others.

“Of course this is a good thing,” I thought to myself. “I don’t  need to check in with my husband. My blog is my hobby and how could encouraging others to read the Bible ever be wrong? And he’s never read the whole  thing anyway, so he cannot relate. I don’t need his counsel.”

I am so thankful that I didn’t listen to those thoughts and instead stopped, shared my plans with him and sought his approval before going too far.

The Bible in 90 Days program has really taken over quite a bit of my life, and takes a lot more of my time than I ever expected. But because we agreed that I should host it the first  time and have agreed each time after that, it is not a source of contention in our marriage.

There was one time I wanted to add an extra session. He disagreed. I didn’t like that. But he was so very right.

I don’t run every little decision about my life through him. I do try to run most, though.

I am working so hard to reorganize my time and schedule. I have taken on quite few new projects lately and he and I are working together on a big new project together. As I reorganize, re-prioritize and refocus my efforts, I am talking with him about it, seeking his guidance and listening to him. And our respect for each other has grown.

No, I don’t like everything he has to say, but I am learning that I need his guidance. And I am learning that seeking and following it is honoring him and my Father.

I don’t know your personal situation.

I do know that this verse and message has struck me for as long as I have known it. It has been echoing in my head quite a bit louder lately. Finally, as I am growing up, it is striking me as a gift and not a curse. God bound me with my husband. He picked us out for each other. And he joined with me someone to whom I should submit.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you so much for my husband. Yes, there are times when he frustrates me and I am unhappy with him. But He is an amazing, loving, kind, level-headed man. As I said on our wedding day, he is your gift to me. Thank you.

Thank you so much for causing me to seek his guidance last year when I wanted to encourage others to read through the Bible in 90 days with me. I am so thankful he supported me and I am so thankful I asked first… neither one of us had any idea what we were in for!

Please continue to help us as I learn how to submit and as he learns how to guide.   I love how we are really growing into a team. Thank you.

Please strengthen all those who read this that they may see just how to apply it to their own lives in the way you intend. Thank you, Lord for that.

If you aren’t already following a daily plan, or you are between plans, I hope you’ll consider joining me. Just jump in on today’s date.

Today’s Reading:Psalm 124; 2 Corinthians 11-13

Here’s what I heard today using SOAP

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:11

Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Observation:

To yourselves, but instead focus on the Lord, and live in joy, as the Lord dwells with you.sum it up, try to live your life right, listening and heeding the word of God, stick together and don’t argue amongst

Application:

I think the Observation was pretty straightforward, so I’m going to skip this part today.

Prayer:

Lord, I love you. And I love that you genuinely want the best for each and every single one of us.

Please, God, help each of us to see the real truth, your truth, and do our best at following that.

Help me to live according to your Word.

Guide me in seeking perfection, listening to your Word, working together in harmony with other believers, living in peace and accepting and enjoying your peace and love.

Thank you, Lord for your gifts and your inspiration.

If you aren’t already following a daily plan, or you are between plans, I hope you’ll consider joining me. Just jump in on today’s date.

Today’s Reading: Job 41-42, 2 Corinthians 1-2

Here’s what I heard today using SOAP:

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:17:

Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.

Observation:

We speak and share the word of God without intention of personal gain. We do so purely for the glory of God, as we believe God intends for us to do.

Application:

I try to share the word of God, and encourage others to do so as well, without thought of personal gain, monetary or otherwise. And I want it to stay that way.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the opportunity to learn about you, have a  relationship with you, be saved by you and share your promise of life with others. Please, Lord, continue to guide me in serving you without regards to profit or worldly gain. I want my motives to remain pure.

Please show me the way to serve you in the way you wish for me to serve. And keep me from becoming corrupted by the promise of profit, but instead focus on serving you with sincerity.

Today’s Reading: Job 37-38, 1 Corinthians 12

Here’s what I heard today using SOAP:

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

Observation:

Each of us has gifts given to us by God. By combining these gifts, we can work together for the good of everyone.

Application:

There are some things I can do well, and there are a lot of things I’m not so good at. That doesn’t mean I shouldn’t give new skills a try, but it also means that no, I  CANNOT DO IT ALL and my Creator NEVER INTENDED FOR ME TO DO IT ALL.

(I am sorry if the caps are bugging you. The emphasis is mostly for me.)

So often I want to jump in and do everything. But that is not how the Lord intended it to be. He gave me gifts. He gave you gifts. It is up to us to grow those gifts and use them for all. It is not up to us to burn ourselves out. It is up to us to work together, leaning on each other, allowing others to jump in, while using our own distinctive gifts to their full force.

I need your efforts and gifts. And you need mine.

Let’s work together.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for creating each of us as unique individuals. Yes, I’ll admit, sometimes I wish everyone did things just as I do them. But you (and I) know that is not the best way. And I sure need a lot of help from others who have different gifts than the ones you gave me.

Please, Lord, guide each of us as we recognize the gifts you gave us, and the gifts you gave others in our lives. Help us to work together, maximizing the unique abilities you gave each of us.

Help us to perform as one unified body, working for you. Help us to be a symphony to your ears, rather than a lot of soloists jockeying for position, burning out on our own, or even soloists who never realize the beauty of our songs because they were meant to be combined and never be alone.

Please, Lord, guide me in recognizing and appreciating the gifts in others. Help me to be an encourager and a team player on your team.

Show me what I am to do and how I am to lean on others. And help me to be worthy of others leaning on me, as well.

Thank you, Lord, for the gifts you generously give. Thanks for this reminder that it is NOT all up to me. And thank you for the gift of community.

Today’s Reading: Psalm 122, 1 Corinthians 9-11

Here’s what I heard today using SOAP:

Scripture: Psalm 122:6-7

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem;

“May those who love you be secure.

7 May there be peace within your walls

and security within your citadels.”

Observation:

Pray for peace and security for God’s people.

Application:

This especially struck me today, considering that it is Veteran’s Day.

I am definitely going out on my own interpretation this morning, but I think God might be saying “pray for peace in all of my land,” not just one geographic area.

He wants us to live in peace, and be secure. He wants us to be strong.

And I am so thankful for our military who work to promote peace, love and the ability to worship as we are led, among many other things.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for our protectors and thank you for guiding us in how to live.

Please keep those we love secure and bring peace and security to all the world, which is your world.

Guide us as we seek you. And help our leaders to seek your instruction and guidance as they make decisions for our country and armed forces. And, Lord, grant an extra dose of strength to those who serve, and extra arms of comfort to those who support those who serve.

Thank you, Lord, for being in control, ultimately. And thank you for the promise of peace.

If you aren’t already following a daily plan, or you are between plans, I hope you’ll consider joining me. Just jump in on today’s date.

Today’s Reading: Job 19, Mark 1-2

Here’s what I heard today using SOAP:

Scripture: Mark 2:35

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Observation:

Jesus was intentional in starting his day in prayer. He got up very early in the morning, sought out a quiet spot and prayed.

Application:

Jesus, who had the most direct connection with God that we could ever dream of having, still set aside quiet time to pray right at the start of the day. This is only one occasion that is mentioned here, but I can only imagine this was the way he started every day.

By starting each day this way, my guess is that He was better able to live each day in an intentional, kingdom-focused way.

Sure, waking up early can be a challenge. But wouldn’t I rather start my day with the Lord, listening to His plans for me, than jumping into it alone? If Jesus needed it and sought that time out, then shouldn’t I reach for and embrace that gift of direction that could start me off properly each day?

Prayer:

Lord, thank you so much for meeting with me each morning that I do set aside time to read your word and listen to you. And thank you for your forgiveness when that time get shoved aside for whatever reason. Thanks for that gift each and every time I accept it.

Thanks for this reminder that Jesus needed that time. If He needed it daily, then you know I do, too!

I love you, Lord. Thank you for listening, whispering and guiding. Thank you for that gift of alone time with you and this reminder that I need it.