Soap - Dissension

S: But perceiving that one group were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, Paul began crying out in the Council, "Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead!" As he said this, there occurred a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

Acts 23:6-7

O: As Paul stood before the Council for his testimony about his conversion, he faced the danger of death-by his belief in Christ, the two groups trying Paul were instantly divided. With any other case, there is someone right and there was someone wrong (in this case the Sadducees)-with the multitude of beliefs that float around, there are numerous denominations and cults that advocate several different views. By understanding that Scripture is the ultimate authority of my life and by the illumination of the Spirit, I can discern between right and wrong.

A: If there is ever a disagreement upon beliefs, I need to test whatever comes with Scripture-For example, Sadducees took the "Eye for an eye and tooth for tooth" law literally and sought to uphold it rigorously through punishment. To be able to test anything with Scripture, I must know Scripture well-in other words, to see God's perspective, I must read his Word.

P: God, I pray that I may be diligent in my study of Your Word-I pray that I would not study it to gain knowledge or wisdom. I pray that I would only study it to know You more deeply and to understand what you command. I pray that I would not study in vain or error-rather, I pray that all truth to uncover would be found. In Christ, amen.

Soap - Paul's Obedience

S: And I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?" And he said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.' Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?'

Acts 22:8-10

O: Paul had been beaten and arrested and was recounting what had happened to him on the road to Damascus in greater detail-This passage speaks to me in the sense that God had called Paul and revealed Himself to have Paul respond in a manner that I believe is radical obedience. As God said not much more than along the lines of "Why are you persecuting me?" and "I am Jesus of Nazareth..." I find it to be amazing that Paul submitted himself immediately-with no questions, no hesitation, and only a statement that personifies a person ready to serve the Lord. Paul did not delay in listening to what God commanded him and in that obedience, Paul was used powerfully by the Lord.

A: I was reminded today that delayed obedience is disobedience (from the 510 CG, aw yeeaaa). Putting off the Lord is the same as saying that God is not the highest priority in our lives-as Lynn would say, "NOW, do it NOW!" I must not delay in studying the Word-for life is short and I need to know the Lord through Scripture. As God has commanded "worshipers must worship in Spirit and in Truth," obedience starts now, with this soap.

P: Lord, I thank you for the wonderful truths you have revealed to me-and also for the abundant blessings that you have poured out upon me. Lord, I only wish to know you more-to love you by finding out who You are, and holding fast to what you have commanded. I pray that the call that you have given me-daily devotion in Spirit and Truth-would be upheld. Make my heart yearn more and more for You, because I know that in the end, this is all that will be left. In Christ, amen.