March 5th

Scripture - 1 Corinthians 14

Observe It — How can our spiritual gifts benefit the body of Christ? It was a question Paul began to ask the Christians in Corinth. The Corinthians were getting caught up in their own individual gifts and what they thought were the highest forms of spirituality. They were missing the point that every gift is made to encourage and rally the church, even to draw people to God. Paul was also giving the Corinthians guidelines on how to be spirit led, yet members in a community working together as we worship as one.

Apply It — Have you ever wanted to have a specific gift to use in ministry? God will meet you right where you are at. A good scripture to study this week is Acts 2 where the New Testament Christians met in the upper room and prayed until the Holy Spirit met them there. God can fill you, empower you, and equip you with exactly what you need to carry out the work of the ministry.

Prayer — Father, I recognize my need for Your power to live this new life. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit. By faith, I receive Holy Spirit and the work he wants to do in and through me. Thank you for filling me, empowering me, and equipping me. Holy Spirit, You are welcome in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

March 4th

Scripture - 1 Corinthians 13

Observe it — This chapter speaks on love. Love is selfless, kind, sacrificial, and unconditional. This is the love Jesus has for humanity. Paul was attempting to teach the Corinthians what Real Love looks like. When love drives our life, our actions, we reflect our Savior.

Apply It — Review the chapter and its words and write down what love is and what it isn’t. Take a quiet moment of reflection and let God speak his love to you. Ask God as you continue studying his words to build up loving characteristics inside of you.

Prayer — Father, Love is the most important thing to have in my life. If there are areas of my life where I lack in love, would you transform my heart to love like you love. I want my whole life to reflect the love you have shown me. Help me to continue learning to love selflessly. In Your name I pray, Amen.

March 3rd

Scripture - 1 Corinthians 12

Observe It - Paul explores just a few of the many gifts that God gives his followers. If a body was made up of just eyes, we couldn’t go anywhere. Each part is vastly different, but each part plays a role in the community.

Paul lists a few parts of the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages… There are so many different parts of the Church!

Apply It — We need all the parts of the church… what part or role do you feel God has created you to play during this season of life? Are there some things that you realize God has not called you to do and may need invite someone else to do instead? Take some time today to encourage someone that has a different gift and role to play?

Prayer — Father, You have made me you unique- different from everyone else, there is no one exactly like me in the world. Thank you for the gifts and roles that you’ve called me to contribute to your church. Thank you God, Amen.

March 2nd

Scripture - 1 Corinthians 11

Observe It - In this time, it was improper for a woman to have her head uncovered. It meant she was loose and promiscuous. But, the women in Corinth loved to worship freely alongside their male counterparts, without their head coverings just as they were. Some saw men have a higher rank then women. But Paul states to them that God is not above the Son, just as man is not above women. God and the Son are equal, with varied roles, just as men and women are.  Paul also noticed that there was disunity when it came to the “love feast” after communion. The people were not united because the rich brought more and ate more, and the poor left hungry. Paul tells them all to check their hearts to see how they all interact with one another. 

Apply It - We still deal with different classes and races today. We can see in the news stories that pop all the time full of hate crimes. But, when we live with the Lord, those barriers of race and rich and poor are dropped. We are all one people who love God. When we begin to see that, we begin to put others first and ourselves last. We become a people who are willing to serve.

Prayer - God, help me to check my heart for any imbalances. I want to look at others as you do. Break my spirit God, help me to love others and serve others better. In my work, home, and church God, I want to be of service and go above and beyond the norm. In your name I pray, Amen.

March 1st

Scripture - 1 Corinthians 10

Observe it - Temptation will always come your way, but God is always right there standing beside you. Temptation is not the part that is sinful. Sin happens when we give into temptation. Paul gives rest to the weary Christians in Corinth. He tells them that they can ask God for help. Paul was teaching them that when they rely on God, they will begin to see that He has provided a way to help them resist temptation.

Apply It - Where do you struggle lately? What tempt you regularly? Even the Christ was tempted. It’s hard sometimes to face temptations, especially when we’ve come out of our old life. The best way to fight temptation and our old ways is to look to God for help. How do we connect with God? We can connect through reading the Bible (like you are here in SOAP), praying, and by surrounding yourself with other believers. God knows that things can be rough in our day-to-day. That’s why your relationship with Him is super important. Growing and cultivating our relationship with God will create strong roots that the enemy cannot destroy.

Prayer - God, help me to grow strong as I spend each day with you. I want my roots to grow down deep and be strong so that when temptations come my way, I can stand strong in you. Be by my side as I grow in you. In your name I pray, Amen.

February 28th

Scripture - 1 Corinthians 9

Observe It - Here we have Paul once again addressing the Corinthians. They were trying to get down to a science on what they could and couldn’t do. Paul’s heart was the exact opposite. He was working hard to spread the message of Jesus; something he tried to teach to the Christians in Corinth. Paul also explained that living a life with Jesus was like a race. We all were working hard, training hard, and running hard to obtain the ultimate prize; life in heaven with Jesus. Paul knew the hard work it took to preach truth and love. He couldn’t just sit idle, hoping that the gospel would just spread. He dedicated every part of his life to talk about Jesus.

Apply It - Do you work hard for your dreams, or do you just sit back hoping everything lines up? It’s really a nice thought. It would be great to sit and wait for God to deliver our hearts desires to us. It doesn’t quite work like that though. In order to get to where we want to go, we have to work hard and not be lazy. As you work hard, God will meet you right where you are at. He’s your biggest cheerleader.

Prayer - God, help me to not be lazy and complacent in my work. I do not want to get to a place that is comfortable and take advantage of what you are doing through me. Give me the drive and passion that I may lack in my life to get me where you want me to be. Thank you for continuing your work in and through me. In Your name I pray, Amen.

February 27th

Scripture - 1 Corinthians 8

Observe It- Just like the people of Corinth, it is easy to be caught up in figuring out what is right or wrong, or what can we or can’t we do. The people were divided over whether it was okay to eat the meat sacrificed to false gods. They were worried if they ate the meat, then somehow, they’d slip back into their old ways. But Paul was trying to get them to understand that the meat didn’t matter, what did matter was what what they allowed God to do in their hearts. However, he was also tracing them to be sensitive about what other believers believed about what was ok and not ok.

Apply It - When you ask Jesus into your life, our faith doesn’t become a list of rules of what you can and can’t do anymore. While you probably aren’t debating whether or not it is alright to eat meat… it can be easy to get caught up looking for a list of rules and regulations. Instead, it is import to allow God’s love for you and work in your heart to drive your life and actions, rather than a list of rules. While there is probably a list of things for you to do today, take a few moments to invite God’s love, not just religious rules to be the driving force behind the life you live today.
Prayer - Father, lead me in your love each and every day. Show me how to not make my life about a bunch of rules and regulations. Surround me with healthy community, that encourages me in my walk with you. I love you God, thank you for all that you do in my life. In Your name I pray, Amen.

February 26th

Scripture - 1 Corinthians 7

Observe it - Paul begins addressing questions on marriage and sex that the Corinthians asked him. The Corinthians were living immorally when it came to sexual sins. Paul encourages those who are not married to abstain from all things immoral, including sex, that would get between them and God. He also addresses married couples and tells them that sex is good thing between a married man and woman. Each person should address the needs of their partner and not withhold anything from each other. This chapter also speaks to single individuals, encouraging them to allow God to use them in unique ways, that a married person might not be able to be used in.

Apply It - The way God designed marriage and sex within marriage as a beautiful creation. Sex is a really good thing, designed by God. If you’re married, how might this chapter encourage you in your relationship? If you’re not married, how can this chapter encourage you? What is it that God might want you to do or accomplish for him that you can do because you are single?

Prayer - God, I always want to give you my best in all areas of my life. Would you use my ‘current relationship status’ as an opportunity to see your Plan, Hope and Future shared with others? For those areas I lack in, I ask for your strength to get me through. In your name I pray, Amen.

February 25th

Scripture - 1 Corinthians 6

Observe it - Paul was instructing the people of Corinth and teaching them that we should take care of our bodies because they are the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Corinthians believed that just as food satisfies our stomachs, it was okay to satisfy other natural appetites. But, just like too much food can be bad for us, so can other things, and in this case, it was sexual immorality. 

Apply It - When wrestling with any sin, questions you can ask yourself are: What does God’s word teach about this? Is it something that will overpower you? It’s hard to resist any kind of temptation, but when you are struggling over sin, ask these questions, pray for freedom, and talk with other Christians who walk with you through your struggle. 

Prayer - Father, I know there are things that I have done that have tried to pull me away from you. I ask that you forgive me and bring me freedom. I ask that you reign and rule over my heart. Help me to be obedient to what the Holy Spirit says in my life. In Your name, Amen.

February 24th

Scripture - 1 Corinthians 5

Observe It - Corinth in its time was a place of beauty and splendor, but hidden in its walls we’re people with corrupt morals and sinful behavior. The church in Corinth didn’t want to address the hard issues, but rather ignore them. Paul, however disagrees and lets the people know that any kind of sinful behavior can not be ignored and it must be met head on and dealt with. He said all that not out of harshness or judgment, but for the church to come together and have sincere and deep repentance for their actions.

Apply It - Have you ever known someone and you knew their behavior was not that of Christ? Or maybe you felt like they refused to acknowledge the sin in their life? It’s hard sometimes to tell people the truth in love, especially if it’s a family member or friend. We should always try to guide people back to Jesus. One way to do that is to invite them to church. Once they are in church, God can start dealing with the hard stuff. Praying for them is another good start. All of this must be rooted in love though.

Prayer - Lord Jesus, I’m tired of the sin struggle in my life. I feel distant from you. My choices have not led me in the right direction. You know my thoughts and I ask that you x-ray my heart and take away the things I struggle with. In your name, amen.

February 23rd

Scripture - 1 Corinthians 4

Observe it - Following Christ comes at a costly obedience. Paul saw the Corinthians boasting about their riches, that they were content, and they were mature along with holding good positions in the community. Paul however stated that to follow Christ, there will be suffering, loneliness, hard times, and even death. He wanted them to know that they should lay everything aside to follow Christ.

Apply It - Have you ever had times of loneliness, or felt out-of-place? It’s hard being a Christian in today’s world. It seems like wherever you turn, people make you feel like an outcast. But God’s word reminds us that when we live with him in our lives, people will automatically despise us. We should always hold on to Jesus when those hard moments come. 

Prayer - Gracious father, I come before you to humbly ask that you comfort us as believers in our moments of loneliness, that you be our shelter in the midst of the storm and walk beside us every step of the way. In Your name I pray, amen.

February 22nd

Scripture - 1 Corinthians 3

Observe It - The Corinthian Christian’s were called ‘worldly’ by Paul because they were constantly arguing and acting out in jealously. He wanted them to take a minute and look at the spiritual foundation that Paul was already laying out for them. He hoped to bring them back to Christ as their foundation -that they would be built on their salvation and faith through Jesus. Paul was teaching them that it is foolish when we promote the things of man above the things of God. It does not make for a strong foundation.

Apply It - When it comes to our walk with Jesus, we can’t rely only on others to make our walk strong. Our pastors, mentors and leaders are there to come along side of us, teaching and guiding us, but ultimately pointing us towards Christ.. Our foundation for our spiritual walk must be deeply rooted in our relationship with Christ. It is from there that our faith flourishes. 

Prayer - Father, take over the building of my life, family, ministry, and church. May my life be built on You. Let your beauty and glory shine out of every area of my life. I long to worship and serve you. In your name I pray, Amen.

February 21st

Scripture - 1 Corinthians 2

Observe it - Paul is once again dealing with arguing among the Christians. He puts emphasis on preaching about Jesus Christ, and not giving into signs for others to see, or using his own wisdom and thoughts like the people wanted him to. Paul chose to focus on the wisdom of God and having God reveal things to us through the spirit. That’s why he once again encouraged them to rely on their relationship with God. It is through our relationship with God that we grow and mature. As our relationship with God grows, we begin to rely less on ourselves, and more on our Father.

Apply It - Have you ever met a person who seems to know it all or likes to argue every point? Those types of personalities are sometimes hard to deal with. When you speak about God or the Bible, it’s important to learn to echo what God is saying through it rather than what we want it to say. When you are not sure how to understand it, God invites us to pray, seek out wisdom and humbly accept opportunities to learn. Also, Speaking with love, and not a harsh voice goes a long way - is there a conversation that you can have today by speaking with love, rather than speaking harshly?

Prayer - Father, thank you for your guidance. Forgive me when I speak out against what your word says or get ahead of what you want to say through me. Help me to be diligent and listen for your voice and direction. Thank you for your gentle grace. In Your name I pray, Amen.

February 20th

Scripture - 1 Corinthians 1

Observe It - Paul, who was living in Corinth sees the division among the Christians that reside there. He begins his letter to them telling them how much he loves them and is thankful for them. After that, he digs right in about the division. He tells them that he (Paul) is not Christ. He was only sent out to preach the gospel that Jesus had established on his time on earth. He wanted the people to understand that when we line up our minds with the mind of God, we rely less on our own human nature, and more on the mind of Christ. When they become Christ-minded they become a more unified strength, which is exactly what Paul wanted them to be.

Apply It - How many times have you been to church and there was one thing you didn’t like? How often to complain about the little things you observe? How often to you get mad at a leader at the church and begin to share that with others? When we do these little things, it creates division in the church, or people begin to leave. The problem with leaving is that you take those old wounds somewhere and begin to let that wound fester at the new church; creating division once again. The devil loves nothing more than for people to not have unity. It is when we have unity and link together that we are the most powerful to fight off the enemy and reach out to our community. 

Prayer - God, I don’t want to be a person who creates disunity. I want to be a person who is unified with the church body. In those times I feel like complaining, help to slow my mouth that I don’t speak out against something. Help to also learn to pray for my leaders and fellow believers. In your name I pray, amen

February 19th

Scripture - Philippians 4

Observe It - Paul makes one thing clear, that when we stand strong with God, we have peace and joy that radiates all over us. But, when we choose to not stand with God, it’s like standing in quicksand and being on shaky ground. Before he closes this letter, he mentions once again how to have joy, gentleness, and to not be anxious about anything, to name a few. Paul invites us to know the peace of God that goes beyond our own comprehension.

Apply It - When is the last time you truly felt peace? When did your mind last rest? It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and lose focus. We work, we travel, we take care of our kids, and we take care of our spouses, on top of any extra thing we do. We can fade really fast and feel burned out as well. What if you took a few moments today to take Pauls advice to the church?

Prayer - Father, I want to know the peace that is described in your word. I want my mind to be quiet at times so I can hear you. I don’t want to worry or be anxious. I want my heart to be so fixed on you that when those times come, I know that I can look to you to get me through. Thank you, Father, for giving me peace. In Your name, Amen.

February 18th

Scripture - Philippians 3

Observe It - When Paul became a believer, he was filled with passion like never before. Paul who was also known as Saul grew up as a Jewish Rabbi, a second-generation Pharisee, and was a leader in the Jewish community.  To put it in perspective, once Paul began to follow Christ, he was chased out of town, arrested several times, and put his life in danger. He literally gave up everything in his life to follow Jesus. He literally left his old life behind like trash when he began to follow Christ. He encouragers others in this chapter to take a look at their own lives and instead of conforming to the world as the know it, he invites them to put it all aside for the call of Christ. 

Apply It- Are we perfect when we become Christians? Most definitely not. Our lives are anything but perfect because we are still sinners in our hearts. But, as our lives conform to Jesus, the more the old ways we once knew begin to fade away and melt off of us. We are now filled with love, grace, kindness, and yes, even patience. Right now, what is it that you can give up for Christ?

Prayer - Father, help me to have the same passion for you that Paul once had. Fill my heart with fire that never ceases. Let it consume every part of my life. Whatever lies on my heart that is not of you, I ask right now father that it breaks off in your name. Grow me more Lord. In Your name, Amen. 

February 17th

Scripture - Philippians 2

Observe it - Paul is once again sending encouragement to the Philippians and telling them to stand strong when conflict against them happens. He also encourages them in unity, humility, and love. Paul’s states that there is consolation in Christ, comfort of love, fellowship of the Spirit, and affection and mercy; all of the things that Jesus was when he walked the earth. Paul was now inviting the Christians in Philippi to live this out too. Unity was key to get across to the people. He was teaching them that they had to work together to reach other people in the area. 

Apply It - We have the same encouragement today. Through other believers we can link arms and stand strong together. We are better together. Is there an area above that you have struggled with? How did you overcome it? The more we get to know our Savior, the more he is reflected through our lives.

Prayer - God, thank you for your encouragement. In times that are tough, I know that I can look at your word and see life-giving words that help me make it through each day. I want others to see You through my life. If anyone that I come in contact with today needs to know you, will you use me to show them Your love? In Your name, Amen.

February 16th

Scripture - Philippians 1

Observe It - During this time, Paul was under house arrest and he wrote a letter to his close friends who were the Christians in Philippi. The Philippians had allowed God to work through them, and for that Paul was grateful. He prayed with joy when he thought of the church there. When we all work together, we can overcome obstacles and circumstances to do what God needs us to do. The Philippians also had Paul’s back when he was under trial. Paul also expresses that we can always be filled with more love then we already have. Even with Paul in prison his work continued for God. It didn’t stop Paul from sharing the Plan, Hope and Future of God.

Apply It - At 29:11 we talk a lot about community. We can see that even in Biblical times, community was important. The Philippians knew how to stand beside someone through trials. That’s what makes community groups so important. It allows you to connect with others and for them to have your back in hard times. Have you found a community group that you like? What holds you back from being involved with one?

Prayer - God, I ask that you continue growing our community groups. I pray for those who have not found community yet, that you lead them to the right group. I pray that you would help us to stand up for those who need it and lead us to pray for those who need extra battle through prayer. In Your name, Amen.

February 15th

Scripture - Matthew 28

Observe It - What a glorious day! On this day in Matthew, we observe how Jesus overcame death and the grave! He rose from that dark tomb! Mary Magdalene and Mary saw the empty tomb and an angel of the Lord told them not to be afraid, but to go tell the disciples that Jesus had risen! They met Jesus at the moment and with glorious triumph, worshipped him. What a moment of true worship with our Savior! Just a few days later, Jesus commissioned the disciples to go out into the world and spread the gospel. And then before he left, he promised that he will always be with them.

Apply It - Just like the disciples, we too are commissioned to spread the gospel with the same authority Jesus had. What miracles have you seen? Do you sometimes get scared to share Jesus with others? It can sometimes be scary to step out and share gospel, but Jesus is always there to make you brave and bold.

Prayer - Father, in areas that I struggle to spread the gospel, help me to grow in that area. Help me to plant seeds wherever I go and to be ready for opportunities to share Jesus with others. Give me a boldness like I’ve never had before. In your name I pray, Amen.

February 14th

Scripture - Matthew 27

Observe It - Such powerful moments in this chapter. We see Judas have remorse for the thing that he did. We see a people who once welcomed and loved on Jesus, now wanting his bloodshed. Imagine for a moment, what was playing through the mind of Jesus. He was fully God, but also fully man. He felt every moment of pain. From the crown of thorns being pushed down on his head to the nail that drove through the palms of his hands and feet. At any moment, he could have cried out for God to take it all away. But, because of his love for you, he bore it all on the cross. God, knowing this was the only way, probably wept that day for the pain his son was going through. A very unselfish act of love to make sure that on this day you could experience every ounce of freedom that there is. That the chains of death would no longer bind you down. For God so loved the world…

Apply It - This is a big moment that truly needs time to sink in. If you’ve never really thought about the sacrifice Jesus made for us, take a moment right now to imagine that day. Imagine yourself standing at the feet of Jesus; his blood running down the cross. What would you say? What would lay at his feet? It all goes to the cross, never to be picked up again.

Prayer - God, thank you for sending your only son to me. Such a gesture of love that you bore that day. Help me to show that same love to everyone I come in contact. Don’t let a day go by that someone doesn’t receive that love; even if it’s a simple hello or smile. In your name I pray, Amen.