S.O.A.P. I Timothy 3 Carlos Herrera

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Scripture
1 Timothy 3:15
…you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and support of the truth.

Observation
The Church of God is a BIG deal. He does not take the church lightly. He is building it and that is the path that He chose to reveal himself to the world.  There is no plan B – we are it.  You and I (not an organization) are the church. It is the pillar of the truth.

Application
For a long time I wanted nothing to do with the church - although I was growing spiritually. I thought I could be a Christ follower without being in a church setting. In time I found out that it was unbiblical to be a Christ follower and not be fully active in a church.  The church of God is flawed and imperfect because human beings like me are part of it…but that is the point. Scripture tells us to make allowances for each other’s faults.  

Prayer
Lord, thank You that You have given me a love for Your church. I know that I have a long way to go in getting the true picture of the church but You have brought me a long way in my understand and love for Your bride.

S.O.A.P. I Timothy 2 Oscar Dupuy

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Scripture
1 Timothy 2:1-2
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Observation
There is a since of urgency in what Paul is saying.  There is power in prayer.  But that is not why we pray.  The following two verse tells us that it not pleases God to hear our prayers but the verses also lets us know that desires for everyone to know him.  Prayer is a way of life where by there is communion with God in conversation.  But more than anything a “being with Him”.  

Application
Jesus invites us to be with him at all times.  There isn’t a waking moment that Jesus doesn’t want to be included in our everyday affairs.  He takes delight in what we might think are insignificant moments of our lives to the major ones.  He redeemed all of us, good times and bad, beautiful moments, bad experiences.  All things work together for the good of those who love him.  That is why it should be of no surprise that he desires all men to be saved, to come to knowledge of the truth.  God wants to communion with us all day everyday in every way. For that is why he created us, to be with and know Him.

Prayer
Father I praise you and worship you.  You take delight in hearing the prayers of your people.  You love when we come to you for that is why you created us – to be know and be with you.  Father I invite you to be the center piece of today.  I want to be aware of your presence with today.  Open the eyes of my heart in Jesus. Amen.

Religion Bytes Part 3: Disciples

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S.O.A.P. I Timothy 1 Oscar Dupuy

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Scripture
1 Timothy 1:16
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

Observation
Paul considered himself worst of sinners.  He didn’t think too high of himself that he couldn’t relate to others.  He understood that he was susceptible to falling like any other man.  Yet this proper perspective to his vulnerability kept him in honest.

Application
Honesty keeps us grounded in the reality of who we are and the greatness of God’s mercy.  Being truthful with ourselves grants us a different perspective on how vulnerable we really are and our need for God.  Yet many don’t really think they need God.  Many don’t think their hearts are that bad according to their own standards.  And so it hinders their understanding of Jesus’ immense patience and love for them.  We are all in need of a transformed heart. We all miss the mark and fall short.  All of us are need of Jesus.

Prayer
Jesus I am in so much need of you.  For too long I did life without you and ran into dead end roads, places that left me empty inside.  Grant me a proper perspective on life and you.  I thank you for finding me and letting realize how much I needed you.  I praise you and thank you for that.  In Christ name. Amen.

S.O.A.P. II Thessalonians 3 Oscar Dupuy

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Scripture
2 Thessalonians 3:7-8
For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.

Observation
There was nothing idle about Paul in his dealing with those he served.  Paul wasn’t about being a burden to anyone.  He went as far as trying make sure he paid for his own food, made his own money, not depending on others to support him.  Yet he continued to wait upon the coming of Christ.  Actively waited on the coming of Christ.

Application
I am active when I engage God in disciplines of reading scripture, prayer, being apart of a community of believers, serving in what God would have me serve.  I am waiting in God as I do these things trusting that in silence and solitude, He will lead me to do what needs to be done next.  I can’t depend on others to do what only God can do in me and through.  No one else can care for my soul or no one else will be giving an answer on my behalf to Jesus when I stand face to face with Him.

Prayer
Jesus as we wait on your arrival may we have the conscious to do what you have called us to do.  Help me not to be idle but actively waiting on your arrival.  Come Lord and meet with today as I wait upon your arrival.  In Jesus name.

S.O.A.P. II Thessalonians 2 Oscar Dupuy

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Scripture
2 Thessalonians 2:4
He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

Observation
The person described here is seen to be extremely defiant and pretentious.  He is described as one with much audacity in thinking he himself is bigger and better than God.  The person would think that God is unnecessary in his life.  Deceitfulness and cunning will be his forte, and he is full of evil.  Yet by “the breath of his mouth”, and the “splendor of his coming” Jesus will expose  and overthrow him.

Application
Though this passage speaks of someone else portraying these qualities, I would be deceived to believe that I or anyone couldn’t live today with the same attitude.  I display these same attitudes when I look after myself more than the interest of others.  When I am more concerned about me than those closest around me and don’t care, then there is a problem.  In our attitudes and decision making, we can easily make ourselves to be god and dismiss his existence.  Yet Jesus’ mere presence can dispel this.  Through Jesus the chains of self are broken and I can surrender to his leading.  Jesus is God and I am not.  I think all of us need a bit of his life giving breath and the splendor of his presence in our lives.

Prayer
Jesus, you have dismantled the powers of the enemy at the cross and sit enthroned in glory and majesty.  I confess sometimes I think that I am you.  My attitude stinks and I don’t even notice it.  I ask that you may expose what needs to be exposed in me by your presence and give me the strength to surrender to you.  I want you to lead me, not myself.  In your name I pray.

II Thessalonians 1 Oscar Dupuy

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Scripture
2 Thessalonians 1:6-7
God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you  and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.

Observation
Paul reminds the Thessalonians that God is just even in their persecution.  He is fair, he is true, and if he ever fails to be so he fails to be God.  He is full of justice and mercy all at once.  Everything that deserves justice will be dealt with by him.  Inspite of we experience here on earth God is in the business of restoring all of creation beginning with the heart of men.

Application
I often see and experience things like others know that things shouldn’t be that way.  In the face of injustice we ask questions like where is God in all of this, why hasn’t he done something about it.  But one thing I am remind of is that he did do something about injustice over two thousand years ago through Jesus Christ.  His death, burial, and resurrection offers forgiveness of our sins, it has defeated death, and broken the power of sin that leads to all kinds of injustice.    

Prayer
Father you are so faithful and just.  I praise you because even when I don’t understand what this world is up to you have it all under control.  I thank you for your Son and the power of your Spirit.  As I go about today may you help me to see how I could join you in the restorative work of your Spirit in this injustice world.  In Christ name I pray.