March 19th - SOAP

Today's reading from the One Year Chronological reading plan is Deuteronomy 26:1-29:1.

Scripture
The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in his ways, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws, and that you will obey him. Deuteronomy 26:16-17

Observation
Now that the Israelites had been reminded of God's laws, they were instructed to keep them. Israel was to claim that the Lord was their God, and to obey him fully.

Application
Sometimes we need to be told what the right thing is to do, sometimes we need to be reminded what the right thing is to do, and sometimes we simply need to encouraged to JUST DO IT! Just knowing isn't enough. Obviously we can't do if we don't know. But once we know, we need to follow through with that knowledge and do what we know is right. We also need to claim that the Lord is our God. And that commitment, if it is genuine, will be followed by obedience! Our actions simply reflect our hearts. Are our hearts committed to God or to ourselves?

Prayer
Lord, thank you for your Word which instructs us in Your ways. We are truly without excuse. You have made it clear in your Word what you require of us. Help us to take our knowledge and turn it into action. We know that how we act is the true test of what we believe. We claim you as our God - as not only our Saviour, but Lord of every part of our lives. Take our lives and use them to glorify Your name. Give us the strength and courage we need to live out our faith authentically and consistently. Amen!

Tomorrow's passage: Deuteronomy 29:2-31:29