SOAP: Transformed

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:18 "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."

Observation: We are being changed as Romans 8:28-30 describes. I, because of my new life in Christ, no longer live blinded to God, His kingdom, His work, the spiritual world. It is the Spirit of God who works in me to produce the Son of God - another demonstration in Scripture of the Trinity.

Application: This verse reminds me of the question, "Was this my best year yet?" Every birthday, New Year, anniversary I reflect back on the me of 365 days ago and consider whether I've grown closer to God, to be more like Jesus, and in my ability to show love to others. A new year approaches and yes, I see that God has been active in my life and the lives of those around me. The work on my knees of the last year has been answered by God in ways that I only saw because I waited for His answers in faith. He has again proven Philippians 1:6 to be true and something I can cling to in the dark times and something I can praise Him for on the other side of it. Best year - so far, yes, by Your grace, power, love, and mercy.

Prayer: Same as always, Abba, Father. I need You - You are the answer to my every need. Mold me like clay. Show me the rough areas. Teach me to love as You do. Please forgive my failures. I love you. Amen.

SOAP: The End Game of the Faith

Scripture: 1 Cor. 15:45 "And so it is written, 'The first man Adam became a living being.' The last Adam became a life-giving spirit."

Observation: Adam brought permanent, confining, condemning, unavoidable death. The characteristics of Jesus' life and death brought permanent, freeing, guiltless, indestructible life!

Application: This is perhaps the starkest contrast in existence, of all realms. And indeed the greatest news or information to be known. But it is not only for the next life, but applies to me now. My life will be, without choice, characterized by one of these two: the death from Adam or the life from Jesus. I have now the choice of which it is, which is why Paul penned Romans 8:12-14: "Therefore, brethren we are debtors - not to the flesh to live according to the flesh. For if you live by the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." The fruit of the Spirit is love - joy - peace - longsuffering - kindness - goodness - faithfulness - gentleness - self-control. I know I'm living the life from Jesus when I'm defined by those things.

Prayer: Father, I am in need of your life the way you explained it Galatians 2:20. I don't want it to be me who lives, but Christ living in and through me. Jesus, please help me to be like John who decreased so that You could increase. Holy Spirit, work in me that I can replace the deeds of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. Thank you for your love and life through Christ. I love you. Amen.

Nuts. And You Were Winning, Too.

The Game

Rules:
1. If you think about The Game, you lose The Game.

2. If you lose The Game, you have to tell everyone that you lost The Game.

3. When you lose The Game, you can't lose The Game for another 30 minutes.

4. Everyone plays The Game, some just don't know it.

I just lost The Game.

The Key to... Whatever.

I realized something new today. Our youngest puppy, Pippin, is highly distractable. I'm not sure if it is because he's a dog or because he is a boy, or a combination of both. Either way, he rarely gets to finish his desert when it is "bone time" in the Sickels' home. Inevitably he will see some shiny thing and wander for a moment. Suddenly, like a phantom, Tutsie swoops in and rescues Pippen's bone from the neglect which it has been subjected to.

When I was younger I thought life was about doing great things, which I defined as something monumental which would write my name is history. I suppose I expected those things to fall into my lap in a day, too. Talk about setting myself up for disappointment. The years have taught me a couple things: (1) value the present and those things which I have now because those are the things which will turn into monumental achievements tomorrow (for example, what's the first thought that comes to mind when someone says they've been married 65 years?) and (2) regardless of what talents we have and the presence of other important character traits which generally contribute lead to success in whatever our goals are only prove themselves valuable if they are accompanied by consistency.

A few consistent things that have helped me get places I wanted to be:
1. God's love and patience.
2. An established date night with my wife.
3. Separating Friday as a family activities night.
4. Time reading, studying, memorizing, and journaling about God's word.
5. Learning Spanish (I'm not claiming to be good at it, but I've learned more than I thought I would).
6. Finishing my Baccalaureate Degree - indeed every class was an 8-week Consistency Test for me.

A few things in which I've been inconsistent that have turned out great:
1.
2.
3.

I'm not sure how to teach Pippin consistency with his bone chewing. Any advice out there? I just hate seeing him get owned every night by the treat ninja.

See you again in 15 months.