The reading for Friday is Matthew 19.
When it is time to read, please start first by praying and thanking God for His many blessings. Be specific.
Next present your requests to Him. Ask Him for whatever you want and need.
Third, ask Him to guide you in your reading, so that you will hear his message for you today.
After you read, record your SOAP observations and then listen for three minutes. Set a timer and just listen to what he might be sharing. Don’t ask. Don’t thank. Just listen. (You can pray more after you listen, if you like.)
Today we have another guest SOAP’er. Susan is one of our Bible in 90 Days grads. (Way to go, Susan!!) Here is what she heard in the reading:
Nothing is Impossible
Scripture: Matthew 19:26
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
The disciples were wondering how anyone could possibly be saved. This verse was Jesus’ reply to them.
Observation:
Saving ourselves–whether through our being “perfect” or our doing so many “good deeds” that we “earn” eternal life–just isn’t enough.
No matter how hard I try, I will only come up short. I cannot save myself–it truly is impossible.
Application:
I need to let go of my own concepts of doing things myself, and accept God’s gift of eternal life. To take the “impossible” situations in my life and truly turn them over to the Lord.
Eighteen years ago my first child was born premature and with cerebral palsy. There was no way I could in my own strength handle raising a disabled child. One day, in worry about the “future,” I specifically prayed and gave my son back to God. I asked God to please take care of his special needs, and that I was willing to do whatever He asked me to do but that I could not handle raising a disabled child and providing for all his extra needs. That if God would be in charge, I would be happy to cooperate with Him. After my prayer, I realized that God never asked me to be “in charge” of all my son needed. That always was His job–but I was the one taking it on myself. Here we are, eighteen years later. One short year away from college. And I have to say–my son’s special needs have always been provided for. With God, all things are possible.
Prayer:
Dear Father–Thank you for always providing for our needs. Thank you for being “in charge.” May we learn to leave our burdens at Your feet, and not try to carry them on our own. And when I forget–thank you for reminding me that You are not limited by my human sight. That no thing that is impossible for You.
Susan is the Executive Director (mom) in charge of all Menzmeriffic Enterprizes (family activities), specializing in Continuing Education (homeschooling Austin–18 and Alison–6) and Nutrition Research (cooking). Also overseeing company wildlife (currently two cats), vehicle fleet(one car, one minivan), and office facilities (house–needs cleaning every day!). In all her spare time, she enjoys quilting and blogging at www.tnquiltbug.blogspot.com
What about you? What did you see and hear in your reading of Matthew 19? Please share with the rest of us, if you are comfortable doing so. Feel free to leave your thoughts, or a link to post with your thoughts, in the comments. If you do link a post, please include a link in your own post back to this post so your readers can see what others had to say, as well, and potentially join us.
Didn’t start reading or Blogging Through the Gospels with us? That’s okay, join in anytime. Each Sunday evening I post the reading schedule for the week ahead and each evening I post the next day’s reading assignment and devotional. Feel free to jump in where we are anytime and blog or journal along using the SOAP format. If you would be interested in sharing your own SOAP observations on MomsToolbox as a guest SOAP’er, please send me an email using the contact button on the top right. I’ll be in touch soon to discuss the details.
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