📧 In today’s email..

• 📕 Today’s reading

• 🙏 The SOAP Devotional of the day

📕 TODAY’S READING
Lamentations 1-5; Psalm 137; 1 Peter 4

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🙏 SOAP DEVOTIONAL
SOAP: scripture, observation, application, prayer

Today’s SOAP Devotional - Colby F. Maier

S - SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV):

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." 

O - OBSERVATION:

In today’s Scripture reading, Peter is encouraging believers not to be taken off guard by suffering. He reminds us that trials are part of the Christian journey, not something to avoid or fear. These moments of difficulty are opportunities for deeper participation in the life of Christ. Instead of resisting suffering, Peter invites us to rejoice because our suffering now will be followed by the revelation of Christ’s glory. Our present trials have purpose in shaping us for future joy. How amazing is that!?

A - APPLICATION:

When you face a difficult situation, take a moment to pause and recognize that it’s part of your spiritual journey. Instead of reacting with frustration or discouragement, turn to God in prayer and ask, “How can I grow closer to Christ through this?” Look for small ways to practice joy—such as thanking God for His presence in the midst of hardship—and remind yourself that every challenge is shaping you to reflect Jesus more. Share your struggles with a trusted friend or mentor, and lean on them for support and perspective. You don’t have to walk through trials alone.

P - PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, help me to embrace the challenges in my life with faith and joy, knowing that you are at work in all things. Give me strength to endure trials and to see them as opportunities to grow closer to You. May Your glory be revealed in my life as I trust in your perfect plan. Amen.

What is a SOAP?

For each day of Bible reading, we do a SOAP devotional to go deeper into the word of God. We always provide an example SOAP from one of our authors, but we highly encourage you to do your own SOAP with today’s reading. God wants to speak to you personally, and will highlight a passage of today’s reading that’s just for you.

Here’s how it works:

S – SCRIPTURE
Physically write out the Bible verse
You’ll be amazed at what God will reveal to you when you
slow down to write or meditate on what you are reading!

O – OBSERVATION
What do you see in the verses you’re reading?
Who is the audience? Is there a repetition of words? What words stand out to you? What is the main lesson or theme?

A – APPLICATION
When God’s Word becomes personal
What is God saying to me today? How can I apply what I just read to my life? Are there any changes I need to make?

P – PRAYER
Pray God’s Word back to Him
If He has revealed something to you during this time in His
Word, pray about it. Confess if He has revealed some sin that is in your life. Take time to thank Him for His goodness in your life.