Psalm 105 - 3.26.24
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 105:1 – 5
Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced
OBSERVATION
I just love how some scriptures can encompass so much in just a few words. This is one of those scriptures for me. In just 5 short verses, we can take this roadmap in life in how to live in Him, through Him and for Him.
APPLICATION
When I read this scripture, I find a lot of action words and blessings. They all require us to get up and do something: give praise, proclaim his name, share what he has done, sing, praise, tell and seek the Lord. Each time we do these actions, the word says we can REJOICE. This is the blessing of joy when we praise Him. There is power in these actions. Who wouldn’t want to rejoice when we recount what He has done in our life and the Bible? When we move to action in sharing and praising God, the natural result is a heart bursting at the seams with joy.
The scripture then calls us to action to “Look” and “Remember.” Where should our focus be? When we look to the Lord and remember his strength, wonders, miracles and even his judgments, these actions naturally bring about encouragement and strength to our life. I’m reminded of Romans 8:31 that says “If God is for us, who can be against us?” We have nothing to fear when our entire focus is on God. Things around us might not look good, but in the big scope, in God’s plan, He says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28. Just like we’re learning about David’s life, he was called to be King but that didn’t happen for many years. And in the midst of it all, his life is in danger and he’s on the run from Saul. Most of us would be wondering what is God up to? Even in the cave, David is singing God’s praises. He KNOWS God is faithful and will bring about the promises. We can live like King David with our focus on God, praising, sharing, proclaiming, looking and remembering that God will bring about good no matter the circumstances.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your Word, for allowing me the ability to praise you, to proclaim you, and to seek your face. Help me to not look at the circumstances in life but to always keep my eyes on you. Give me your boldness and strength in each step of life, to always bring praise to You. In Jesus name. Amen!
- Mary Oberg
2 Timothy 2 - 3.25.24
Scripture
2 Timothy 2:3
Join with me in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victim’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive the share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
Observation
Paul was addressing Timothy, who was his disciplee and young pastor in training. In the chapter before this, he gives thanks for him and says he continually prays for him. He honors his grandma and mom, from which his faith originated. Then, he talks to Timothy about loyalty and appeals to him to remain loyal to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to preserve sound teaching and to be loyal to others. (Paul gives examples of those who have been loyal and disloyal to him in the ministry). He then gives him an illustration of suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ and to keep his focus on his commanding officer (Jesus) in order to stay strong in finishing the race.
Application
Be a good soldier for Jesus Christ.
There’s so much to unpack in this chapter, but I am going to focus on the traits of a soldier of Jesus Christ. This is our purpose on this earth, while we await our eternal dwelling with Him! Here are the traits of a good soldier of Christ, according to Scripture:
They are strong in the grace of Christ. (vs. 1)
They must expect suffering. (vs. 3)
They must please their commanding officer (who is of course God). (vs. 4)
They compete according to the rules (obey His commands). (vs. 4)
They must work hard. The fruit or crops from their labor comes after hard work. (vs. 6)
They must endure for the sake of the elect (aka brothers and sisters in Christ). (vs. 10)
What are some areas that we can individually improve on, to be a better soldier for Jesus Christ? Is there anything in this list that is surprising to you?
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your Word and Your Holy Spirit who just gave me the words for this SOAP journal. Please help me to endure as a good soldier for You, as I know that that is my purpose in this life. There is still so much work to be done on this earth for You. May I keep my focus on You and complete the mission You have given me on this earth, until You call me home. In Your name I pray, Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
Genesis 41 - 3.22.24
Scripture:
”Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”“
Genesis 41:15-16 NIV
”The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.”“
Genesis 41:37-40 NIV
Observation:
The story of Joseph is one of my favorites. I admire how he stayed true to God even when everything possible went wrong. Now after being sold into slavery, wrongly accused, put in prison and when there was a glimmer of hope he was forgotten about. He gets an opportunity to come before Pharaoh when the cupbearer remembers he was supposed to tell him about Joseph.
Joseph does not take any credit. He speaks in faith that God would give the interpretation of the dream. When Joseph gives the interpretation of the dreams and a plan to put into place Pharaoh acknowledges that God’s spirit is in Joseph. He put Joseph in charge of the whole land of Egypt.
After years of slavery and imprisonment Joseph is made second in command in Egypt. He is given a wife and has two sons. The names he gave them declares Joseph is enjoying his life. Manasseh-“God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” And Ephraim-“God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.” Joseph did not let hard times defeat him. He kept connected with God and at the perfect time God gave him the favor and put the plan Joseph dreamed in position to become a reality.
Application:
Joseph’s trials and triumphs go with what we learned Wednesday at Worship and Small Groups. God needs to work in us before He can work through us.
Plug here that no one asked me to do: You are missing out if you have not gone yet. It is so good! I am learning so much from the video and our discussion afterwards.
God was working all the long in Joseph to prepare him to be second in the land in Egypt. He also developed a humble heart that shined God’s light and wisdom that was evident to others.
I need to daily ask God to work in me and allow Him to do the necessary work. There are times it appears things are going in the opposite direction of promises and words given. But our master has the roadmap and is working all things together for good.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray I would be like Joseph. He walked in such a way that those around him knew you were with him. May I not take any credit for you working through me and instead point others to you. Please help me on this journey to remember that your promises are true and walk in confidence. As one of my favorite Danny Gokey songs says, “We just haven’t seen it yet.” I choose to believe your word and know nothing is impossible for you. Thank you for all you have done and all you have yet to do.
Amen
- Cindy Howard