Larry Soape – Page 34 – The Everyday Prayer

Discernment

Re:Verse reading–Joshua 9 (day four)

Discernment is one of those Christ-like character qualities that can keep us on the narrow track of obedience. Discernment is being able to see both sides of an issue and then, through the filter of God’s Word and His Holy Spirit, being able to determine the difference between the right and the wrong decision. Often, discernment becomes that ‘still, small voice’ or that ‘red flag of caution’ that tells us which way to go or what decision to make. Being attentive to the voice of the Lord requires us to have been regularly in His presence so that we recognize His voice. Once we recognize His voice, our obedience will determine our response to it.

We don’t really know if Joshua and Israel just never bothered to check with God or if they knew better, but chose to disobey. Either way, it was sin and they had to deal with the consequences for the rest of their lives. Before we condemn though, we need to ask ourselves if we are seeking God first in every decision.

Door of Hope

Re:Verse reading–Joshua 7 (day four)

Achan had sinned. God had commanded the Israelites not to take any spoil from Jericho. He warned them that if they disobeyed Him He would not conquer the enemies before them. When the children of Israel turned in retreat before the armies of Ai, Joshua did not know what had happened…but God knew. After a careful winnowing by lot, Achan was discovered and confessed his sin. He and all of his family were taken out to the valley and stoned for their disobedience. From then on, the valley was known as the ‘valley of trouble’.

Fast forward now to the prophet Hosea’s day. Hosea 2:15 says, “Then I will give her her vineyards from there, and the valley of Achor as a door of hope. And she will sing there as in the days of her youth, as in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt.” God promised to take the valley of trouble and turn it into a door of hope. That is what He does with our lives through Jesus…He takes the disaster of our disobedience and through faith, He gives HOPE!

Room for the Miraculous

Re: Verse reading–Joshua 3:5-17, 4:14-24 (day four)

Some theologians (in their own minds at least) have come up with different theories on how God stopped the water of the Jordan River. Maybe it was an earthquake that caused a collapse of the vertical embankments of the Jordan. After all, it has happened like that at other times. After 24 hours or so, the river clears out the obstruction and it flows once again. Whatever they can do to explain the ways of God.

Joshua and the children of Israel recognized it for what it was…a miracle from God. Joshua was told the day before that the water would cease and what had to happen before it did…the priests must step into the Jordan. Probably the greater miracle than the water stopping was the ground that was dry in the bottom of the riverbed. Can you imagine millions of people plodding through the mud if God had not made provision? God’s ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts. Leave room for the miraculous! What a mighty God we serve!

Christ Like Character

Re:Verse reading–Joshua 2 (day four)

Rahab was a woman of good character. Yes…she is identified as a harlot, but she also demonstrated some excellent character qualities. First, there was integrity…she was true to her word. She was compassionate toward the Israeli spies and unselfish in desiring to save her entire family and not just herself. She demonstrated great faith as attested to in Hebrews 11:31…the ‘hall of faith’ chapter in Scripture. Character is a heritage passed down through family lines.

Rahab married Salmon after Israel conquered Jericho…they had a son named Boaz. Boaz, whose story we learn in the book of Ruth, was a man of integrity, compassion, unselfish concern for family, and faith. All of these character qualities came together in his care and treatment of Ruth and Naomi. What are the character qualities that you are passing on? What do your children see in your life? Are you demonstrating Christ-like character or worldly character? Who will have lasting impact for the kingdom of God because they have developed Godly character through your example?

Be Strong

Re:Verse reading–Joshua 1 (day four)

His name was Amos…he was a good dog. He did not have a large kingdom, but he watched over our backyard with diligence. Early one morning, we were awakened by his barking…he had cornered a possum. He was content to just bark…until I arrived beside him. Emboldened by my presence, he rushed in for the fight.

Joshua and Israel were poised on the banks of the Jordan River. They were emboldened to move, on the command of the Lord. He promised to be with them and had already given them the land. He promised His presence! All they had to do was to be strong and courageous.

What has God promised to you? What has He already given to you if you will only follow His commands? “Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

(BTW: Amos won…with a little help.)

Not an Option

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20 (day four)

In the book, Spiritual Warfare and Missions by Jerry Rankin and Ed Stetzer, it is pointed out that in Matthew 28:18-20, God’s Word is a command. A command is not optional. If we were to say to our children, “would you help with dishes?”…we would not really be asking a question that allows for an option for obedience. We would be giving a polite command with every expectation of obedience. One of Satan’s tactics, to delay or deter the advancement of God’s Word across the nations, is to convince the church that obedience to this command is optional. Rankin and Stetzer warn that Satan diverts our attention from our original mission and focuses us on programs and projects that keep us from taking the Gospel to the nations. If we begin to speak in terms of volunteering for missions, we have lost our focus. We are commanded…we don’t volunteer!

Disoriented to the Cross

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 27:32-54 (day four)

They were clueless…everyone surrounding Jesus as He went to the cross had a complete misunderstanding of what was going on. They were totally disoriented to God and His plan. Their eyes were blind and they could not see. Each one saw it differently than the next. There were so many stories…Simon of Cyrene; the Roman soldiers on cross duty; the two robbers crucified with Jesus; the unnamed crowd passing by; the Chief priests, scribes and elders; the bystanders at the cross; the Centurion; and the saints who rose from the dead…each one saw it differently. There is one more story though…it is our story. How do we see Jesus and His crucifixion? Do we see it as a tragedy that should never have happened or a grossly unfair event that trampled the rights of a human? Or, do we see it as a necessary payment for our own sin? It was our sin that put Jesus on the cross. Ask God to orient you to His understanding…see the cross for what it is!

Where are Your Eyes?

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 26:47-50, 57-66; 27:11-26 (day four)

Jesus had already spent time in prayer before the arrest in the garden. (Matthew 26:36-46) He had once again confirmed with God that He must suffer and die for the sins of the world. It was settled in His mind. He was willing, if it was God’s will. Now, as He faced His accusers, He answered only one question…”are you the King of the Jews?” “It is as you say,” He said. Once He had answered that question, there was no other need to respond. Jesus saw the bigger picture…He would not be distracted by accusations and defenses that would not matter. It was unnerving to Pilate, but Jesus’ eyes were on the cross. Where are your eyes? Are you singularly focused on the will of God? Is it settled in your mind what God wants of you? Don’t be distracted…pray, discern, and then obey!

Look in All the Right Places

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 20:1-16 (day four)

It seems to be a regular theme for Jesus…”So the last shall be first, and the first last.” (v. 16) We find it in Matthew 19:30, Mark 10:31, and Luke 13:30. Each gospel passage where we find this phrase, is a different instance or story…but each story relates to heaven and eternal life. It seems that the life we live on this earth materially, will not always give an accurate picture of our waiting reward in heaven. Many on earth appear to be richly blessed…they have wealth, and influence, and status. Others come from very humble…even impoverished…lifestyles. Some have an enviable, easy life, while others face constant persecution and hardship. It is not the material wealth and blessing that determines eternal life in heaven. Our reward in heaven will be based on our relationship with Jesus Christ. Eternal life is promised for those who give their all to Jesus. Heaven is not earned…whether we ‘work’ long or short, we cannot earn eternal life. It is a gift of grace and mercy from a loving and generous God!

Put Aside Bitterness

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 18:21-35 (day four)

Bitterness…it can eat you up inside like a cancer! We can avoid bitterness through forgiveness. The Lord knew it…He told Peter to forgive endlessly. When we are unwilling to forgive, bitterness rushes in. It is why Paul, in Ephesians 4:26-27 said, “do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.” Later, in that same chapter, he said, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (v. 32) Bitterness destroys relationships. No relationship…with God, with a fellow man or woman…none can survive the onslaught of bitterness. The slave in our narrative today was blinded by his unforgiveness. He failed to make the connection between the compassion shown him and the need to pass it on to others. He allowed the devil an opportunity and it did not work out so well for him. Bitterness…put it aside…forgive and put on the character of Christ!