Thursday, January 24, 2008

Tony's S-O-A-P (box)

I just wanted to try something for a while... I am currently going through the Old Testament once & the New Testament twice in the next year. My bible reading plan has me reading approximately four chapters of the Bible a day. What I do is journal on one or two specific verses that stick out to me over the course of my day's reading. What I am doing on this blog is trying to pick my favorite Journal entry throughout the course of my week and Post it here on this blog for your reading. I know it isn't too ground-breaking but I want to let you all into a little bit of my world with God & hopefully encourage you a little along the way. Anyways, it is easy to pick up on what I am doing with these journal entries... just check them out.

You are blessed,

-tony

p.s. The passage in parenthesis is the passage that I chose out of the daily reading which comes before the passage that is in parenthesis.

1.22.08 Exodus 3-5; Luke 22 (Exodus 4:31)

S-cripture "So the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord was concerned about the sons of Israel and the He had seen their affliction, then they bowed low and worshipped."

O-bservation
I can't even begin to imagine the feelings of these people. To live their lives with no point but as a servant accomplishing such menial tasks makes be absolutely cringe! Then to discover this news that God is coming to the rescue would be such a relief. However, with knowing the story I am reminded of how it gets much worse before it gets much better. I can't help but imagine some of the desperation not to mention hopelessness the people faced.

A-ppliction
At this point of life, I seem to have feelings that somewhat resemble these early Hebrews although not quite to their extreme. I feel as though life isn't too overbearing & money & comfort are all part of life that I actually have. I am not starving or cold & for crying out loud I had the amazing opportunity to travel overseas recently to Italy. However, with my calling from God, I feel as though results or progress are so minuscule. This burdens me to great extremes at certain times. I don't feel as though control is anything in my power which I do understand that it is God's. But I guess I feel the hopelessness these people faced wondering if God really is going to act and do something or not! I know how the story of the Exodus progresses but I don't currently know how my life here will or the life of our church will or the goals that we implementing. I know that I need to remember that God is faithful and hears His people as they cry out to Him! I think I need to cry out to Him more & expect Him to do something. After all an expectant heart has also been part of my prayers lately!

P-rayer
God, help me to start to be expectant towards you again. Also put me on my knees over all this stuff!