S.O.A.P.

At times I like to use the tool S.O.A.P. in my personal time with God.  This process of Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer often help me gain clarity and apply the Bible to my daily life.  Here are some thoughts from this morning.

Scripture: 1 Kings 18

Observation:

·      Elijah was at risk because of his belief in God.

·      Jezebel was killing people because of their faith. 

·      Obadiah was afraid to let Ahab and Jezebel know that Elijah was alive because the news of this put him at risk. 

·      Elijah had tremendous trust in God for his own provision and protection.

·      Elijah stood up for truth. 

·      God was faithful and strong enough to beat the profits of Baal. 

Application:

1.    The Lord is strong enough to protect us in times of trouble.

2.    Hold firmly to the truth and walk closely with the Lord.

3.    God has the power to do anything. 

4.    It is better to be one with God than 400 without him.

5.    God is source of strength.

Prayer: 

“Lord in moments of fear and trouble give me the courage to trust in you.  Your strength and your power are more than enough to meet the challenges of this day.  I trust in you.”

Thoughts on Acts 4

·      The movement of God will disturb those who long for control. (1)

·      This will cause some will try to stop, capture, and imprison the ones who share the hope of Jesus. (3)

·      This will not work.  God has a way for working around our attempts for control. (4)

·      Power of God is not found in a position or title.  It is found in simply in Jesus.  And He is available to all. (12)

·      It is amazing what God can do with the ordinary. The presence of God brings courage. (13)

·      People can tell when you when you have been with Jesus.  It shows. (13)

·      Beware of back room conversations. (17)

·      You will have difficult decisions to make in life.  There are times when you will have to choose between obeying God or man.  Choose God.  (20)

·      Our first response in moments of fear should be prayer (24)

·      Trust in His strength and faithfulness, not your own ability. (24)

·      Those who love power will appose God. (27)

·      Move forward with boldness in times of struggle.  Don’t be afraid.  You are not alone. (29).

·      The presence of God brings courage. (31)

·      The presence of God brings generosity.  It loosens our grip on this world. (32)

Thoughts on Nehemiah 2

·      Sometimes you have to let your vision/reality gap bother you.  Let your heart be troubled (1)

·      Sometimes you have to wait. (1)

·      Prepare and plan. (1)

·      Changing a person’s heart is not your job.  Only God can do this.  Don’t manipulate (1)

·      If you are real with others you may be hurt.  It is worth the risk (2)

·      Honor those who in authority over you.  Even if you disagree.  (3)

·      Share your burdens with others.  Real community is priceless (4)

·      Pray in the middle of defining moments.  (4)

·      When it comes to your vision be humble enough to ask for help.  Be gracious enough to receive it.  (5)

·      Make it real: make sure you have everything you need to start you vision.  (6)

·      Faith is not a synonym for disorder.  Have a plan (6)

·      Your vision will threaten others.  This is normal.  Expect that people will throw stones. (10)

·      Look carefully at your challenge.  Don’t be discouraged. (16)

·      Include others. (17)

·      Trust God when others mock you.  Move forward. (20)

Thoughts on Luke 19:1-10

·      Jesus is not sedentary.  He is in motion.  He is a movement maker you need to catch Him as He passes by and keep up.  It is your job to follow not set the course. (1)

·      There is a need that wealth cannot fulfill.  (2)

·      What is the obstacle in your life that is keeping you from seeing Jesus?  Have you given up or will you find another way? (3)

·      You may have to change your vantage point in life to see Jesus. This may be difficult or require change.  It is worth it.  Get ahead of the busyness of life and wait for him. (4)

·      Jesus will notice your effort.  He will stop and meet you there.  He will invite Himself over if you let Him.  He wants to know you. (5)

·      Let him in. (6)

·      Jesus does not care about what others think.  It is not about prestige or what you have done.  It is all about the heart. That is what He cares about.  Others may mumble, don’t listen focus on what Jesus is changing in you. (7)

·      Getting close to Jesus will expose your faults. It's OK He won't leave you. He will change you. (8)

·      When He moves your heart listen to it.  Follow those promptings and allow your heart to change your life. (8)

·      He is the way to life. The only way to life. (9)

·      Jesus is for the broken.  The imperfect. He loves to make them whole and to give them hope.  (10)

Insights on Luke 18:35-43

·      We all are blind to something and need help to see but we can still hear.  Listen and change. (35)

·      We all are weak but some of us are good at hiding it.  In what way are you weak today? (35)

·      When you realize your weakness ask for help. This will take humility and faith. (36)

·      Jesus still causes a commotion when he passes by.  He rattles our hearts and lives let Him do this, it is for your own good. (37)

·      When you know that God is near and you realize your weakness, call out.  Ask for help and draw close to Him. (38)

·      Many people feel that only the strong and beautiful can come to Jesus but He likes the messes.  Yell to him when you are weak, He will listen. (39)

·      He has time.  He will stop. He will listen. He cares.  (40)

·      Trust Jesus with your mess.  Let Him know your weaknesses.  Lay it out to Him.  Ask Him to fix it.  Let your pain and weakness be the very thing that draws you closer to Him. (41)

·      When Jesus changes you thank Him.  He did it not you.  Give Him the credit and beware of pride.  If you do this others will see Jesus too. (43)

90 Days: Thoughts on Judges 3:28-15:12

·      The two most important words in Scripture: “Follow Me” (Judges 3)

·      Sometimes the Lord will take you into difficult situations. (Judges 3)

·      Do good in the eyes of the Lord.  (Judges 4)

·      The justice of the Lord is complete. (Judges 4)

·      When leaders turn away, the Lord will choose new ones.  Sometimes from the most unlikely places. (Judges 5)

·      “When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willing offer themselves-praise the Lord!” (Judges 5)

·      God is with you even when you do not see his blessing. (Judges 6)

·      God will wait.  He is patient.  (Judges 6)

·      His power exposes our weakness. (Judges 6)

·      Following the Lord will bring critique and threats from others. (Judges 6)

·      The greatest strength one can bring to the Lord is faith. (Judges 7)

·      Leaders step out when others run away but the followers will return. Judges 7)

·      The Lord will often use our weaknesses to show His strength. (Judges 7)

·      The Lord will bring Justice. (Judges 8)

·      In seasons of success pride is deadly.  Stay humble and remember the one who blesses you. (Judges 8)

·      When one seizes power he often kills others close to him. (Judges 9)

·      Be careful not to fall under the leadership of one with thorns (Judges 9)

·      We often forget where we come from. (Judges 10_

·      Your heritage does not determine your future. (Judges 10)

·      After success the critiques often emerge. (Judges 12)

·      When we turn away from Him God still speaks (Judges 13)

·      Sometimes the Lord leads us into conflict.  Handle this well. (Judges 14)

·      Make sure you can trust those close to you.  Choose those with great character over intellect and beauty.  (Judges 14)

Insights on Mark 8

·      When Jesus shows up it gathers a crowd.

·      Jesus cares about the even the small needs of those who follow him.  Even if they are hungry.  He is full of compassion.

·      When Jesus has compassion none of our “buts” will stop him.

·      Compassion becomes a challenge to change if we let it in.

·      Jesus is thankful for food.

·      God will provide.

·      What will it take to prove that Jesus is real to you?

·      We who follow Jesus often underestimate him.

·      Doubt can spread quickly.

·      Jesus will always provide.

·      Who is Jesus? The most important question we all have to answer.

·      Do you follow Jesus or do you ask him to follow you?

·      Life: If you find it you will loose it.  If you loose it you will find it.  This is difficult to live.

·      We need to follow Jesus through the hard times as well as the good.

·      Don’t be ashamed of Jesus.

Thoughts on Luke 13:10-17

·      Jesus taught inside the religious system of his time, but He sought to refine it.

·      The spiritual can affect the physical.

·      Jesus has the power to set us free from spiritual and physical pain.  When he does this, it is always a surprise.  His mercy will reach unexpected people at unpredictable times in unusual ways. 

·      God often uses the humble of this world to teach the proud.  The bent-over to teach the upright.

·      Jesus is not afraid to touch pain and when he does this things change on all levels.

·      Our response to Jesus’ work shows our heart.  It reveals who is in charge.  If we long for control even mercy can be unsettling.

·      What limits do you put on Jesus?  What is your box?  Sometimes our boxes can protect evil. 

·      Jesus cares more about people than systems.  He gives titles to the forgotten.

·      One of the great challenges of the developed world is the relationship of the individual to the system.  All too often a man ceases to be a person and becomes a piece of the machine. (this is all too true in the church today) Jesus lifts up the value of the individual.

·      Jesus can threaten the plans of man.  Our serving must trump our schedule.  Jesus is not convenient. 

Thoughts on Galatians 5:13-6:10

·      We are free from rules.  Free from the “have to” of religion in Jesus. (Galatians 5)

·      You have a choice in freedom.  Use it to love others. (Galatians 5)

·      “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Galatians 5)

·      If you keep hurting others you may win today but it will eventually destroy everything. (Galatians 5)

·      Live in relationship with God.  Enjoy his presence.  Follow him daily he will take you away from destruction.  He will take you to places where you thrive.  (Galatians 6)

·      There is conflict between good and evil, sin and spirit, and we live in this conflict everyday. (Galatians 6)

·      Sin leads us to destruction.  We may survive for a while but it eventually destroys us. (Galatians 6)

·      Relationship with God leads us to a life.  It is here where we thrive. (Galatians 6)

·      Those who follow Jesus do not have to choose to survive they can choose to Thrive.  (Galatians 6)

·      Keep Following Jesus.  Keep in step with his Spirit.  Keep Close to him.  This is the most important thing we do.  (Galatians 6)

·      If you stay close to Him it will spill over into your relationships with others. (Galatians 6)

·      Seek to restore not destroy. (Galatians 6)

·      Carry each others burdens (Galatians 6)

·      Guard your heart against pride.  It is a snake.  Do not compare yourself to others. (Galatians 6)

·      You cannot fool God.  He will not be mocked (Galatians 6)

·      We reap what we sow.  (Galatians 6)

·      You will get a return on your investment.  We all choose where to invest.  (Galatians 6)

·      We choose to either survive or thrive. (Galatians 6)

·      Do what is right today. (Galatians 6)

Hurdles: Doesn't Religion Promote Injustice in our World?

This is a weekend message I preached at Crossroads Church in Cranberry, PA. I hope the thoughts I share here spark thoughts and and insights in your life. Enjoy.

Heart Conditions: Luke 12:13-21

Here are some quick thoughts from the Scripture we will be studying this weekend at Crossroads Church.

·      If you ask Jesus to come between you and another He may expose your faults.

·      Jesus always exposes our hearts.

·      Actively guard your hearts from things that take you away from Jesus.

·      Greed always interrupts our lives.

·      Greed can take over your life.  It can own you.

·      Greed can ruin your relationships with others.  Be aware of the stuff that gets between you and others.

·      A windfall of money can expose a lot of issues in one’s heart.

·      You are much more than the things you own.

·      It is not wise to trust your stuff. 

·      Life is fragile.

·      Your future is not in your control.

·      Don’t let the pursuit of treasure in this life take you away from living a life of eternal worth.

·      Look beyond yourself.

·      Look beyond this world.

·      Possessions do not give security

·      It is foolish to focus on things of this world.  Life should be focused not on self but the Lord.

·      This may be more difficult if you live in prosperity.

·      Invest wisely in the things of eternity.

Heart Conditions: Luke 12:1-12

I am preaching this weekend on living with a brave heart.  Here are a couple of early thoughts on this weekend’s text.

·      Jesus can still draw a crowd.

·      It is disappointing when people hurt each other in their pursuit of God.

·      There are things we need to actively push away from our hearts.

·      A little hypocrisy can go a long way and will grow if left unchecked.  This is a slow, constant process that can dig deep within.

·      Jesus would rather have a blunt sinner than someone who puts on the act of godliness.

·      There are no secrets.  God will reveal all.  Do not deceive.  Do not lie.

·      Your heart will be revealed.  Make sure you keep it pure. 

·      The goal is not the appearance of good.  The goal is to be good.

·      Live for eternity.

·      Be brave: respect and follow the Lord no matter what the consequences. 

·      Faith in the Lord takes courage. 

·      We all choose either to fear man or fear God. 

·      We will serve who we most fear.

·      Man’s power over you is limited.  God’s power is unlimited.

·      Man’s care for you is limited. God’s care is unlimited.

·      The Lord cares about the details of His creation.

·      He knows things about you that you do not even know.

·      God knows about the pain you will go through because of your faith in Him. He lets you go through this for something much better.

·      The Lord loves you greatly.  You are of great value to him.

·      Let others know that you are a follower of Jesus.  Do not be afraid or ashamed.  If you do this Jesus will remember this in eternity.

·      If you disown Jesus he will remember this as well.

·      If you continually ignore the Spirit of truth in your heart you will lose your bearings in life.   This will lead to destruction.

·      The Holy Sprit will guide you through the trials of this life.

Something Must Die

Pride is a killer.  In Luke chapter 11, Jesus challenges the Pharisees about the pride that is in their hearts. “Woe to you Pharisees because you love the important seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. “  Later in this chapter, Jesus says it is this very pride that caused their forefathers to literally kill the former prophets that brought them truth.

As I studied this morning I was faced with the truth that when pride is exposed in our lives something must die.

We will either repent and kill the pride in our hearts, or we kill the one that exposes our pride.  We will either humble ourselves or belittle, slander, and excuse the one that shows us our faults.  This is why they killed Jesus, He exposed their pride and something had to die.

The truth is that there is a “little Pharisee” in each of us.  A sickness in our heart that left unchecked will continue to grow.  The choice is ours, we will either allow Jesus to remove this from our hearts and kill our pride or we will kill the very ones who show us our sin.  Either way something must die.

Heart Conditions: Luke 11:33-54

This week we are starting a new series entitled “Heart Conditions” at Crossroads Church.  Our Core text is Luke 11:33-54.  Here are a couple of quick insights on this text as I prepare for this week’s message.

Luke 11:33-54

·      Light shines in the darkness

·      It does not make since to hide a light.  If it is on we should free it for others to see.

·      If you close your eyes all you will see is darkness.  Even if a light is on.  If you close your eyes to Jesus you will miss Him. Even if he is right in front of you.

·      Jesus has already done enough for us to believe in Him.  He problem is not Him.  It is us.  We need to open our eyes to him.  If you have doubts, look to him.  Seek Him.  You will find him.

·      Be carful what you focus on.

·      Your focus will determine your direction.  We go where we look. 

·      If you focus on “the light” it will enlighten your heart.

·      If you focus on “darkness”  it will take you to darkness.

·      Where is your focus today?

·      You will shine if focus on Jesus. 

·      Make sure you spend time cleaning your inside.

·      Clean out greed, wickedness, and pride.

·      Give the inside away.  Give your heart to others in need.  If you do the Lord will fill you up.

·      Woe to the heart that gives out of duty and pride. They miss out on the blessing of generosity.  Let the injustice of this world break your heart.  Then do something about it.  Respond out of the light that is in you.  Not out of guilt or pride.

·      Woe to the heart that uses God for power and recognition.  You are a servant not at king.  You have received your reward in full.

·      Woe to the heart that goes through the spiritual motions.  You are a shell.  Your efforts do not make you clean before God. 

·      Woe to the heart that burdens people with religion.  God is freely accessible to everyone.  Help others in their pursuit of God.

·      Woe to the heart that rejects Jesus.  To those who know the promise of His coming.  To those who know the words of the prophets but reject Jesus because they want control.

·      Woe to the heart that knows the truth but keeps it hidden for their own personal gain.  The truth of Jesus must be shared. 

Video: A Change Will Do You Good

This is a weekend message I preached at North Way Christian Community in Pittsburgh, PA. I hope that the thoughts I share here will challenge your life in the same way they have challenged me. 

A Change will Do You Good from Michael P Arnold on Vimeo.

Video: The Fear of the Unknown

This is a weekend message I preached at North Way Christian Community in Pittsburgh, PA. I hope that the thoughts I share here will challenge your life in the same way they have challenged me.

Fear of the Unknown from Mike Arnold on Vimeo.

Video: 7 Deadly Sins "Envy"

Every one of us wrestles with sin on some level. Whether it is something overt like a propensity toward road rage or something hidden like an addiction to pornography, we all sin in life.

In the late 6th century Pope Gregory the Great introduced the world to a list of 7 Deadly Sins: pride, envy, anger, slothfulness, greed, gluttony and lust. Left unnoticed, Gregory believed these sins could destroy the heart and soul of man.

7 Deadly Sins is a small group series I created for Central Christian Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. I hope this lesson will spark thought and insight in your life as well.

Video: 7 Deadly Sins "Envy" from Michael P Arnold on Vimeo.

Open up

In what ways are you blessed today?  How are greed and envy alike?  How are they different?  (Greed puts things before God and envy puts things between us and other people.)  Can you think of a time when you were envious of some else?  How did this affect you?  How did it affect your relationship?

Dig In

Read Exodus 20:17, Titus 3:3, Galatians 5:19-21, and proverbs 23:17

·      What do these texts say about envy?

·      Why do you think God takes envy so seriously?

·      Is envy a gateway to other sins?  Which ones?

·      Read Proverbs 14:30: Have you ever experienced this in your life?

Live Out

·      What can you do this week to avoid envy?

·      How can you change your perspective from looking at what you don’t have to seeing what you do have today?

·      Is there someone who you need to confess the sin of envy to in your life?