Devotionals
Recent Devotionals
Strict Obedience?
I was talking about living a holy life for the Lord to a stranger this week, and they asked me, “How do you know if
Absolutely Sovereign | Steven Lawson
Despite the fall of Steven Lawson, the Word of God he taught is never-the-less still faithful. This was one of his more powerful teachings on
Practical Religion (Part 1) | J. C. Ryle
Here is an excellent resource we have used for our evening family devotions. May it lead you and yours to give God greater glory. SDG
Powerful Thoughts for All Believers
Today as we observed the Lord’s day, our family listened to an audiobook by one of our favorite authors, JC Ryle. It’s titled “Thoughts for
Return Blessings for Evil and Slander | 1 Peter 3:9
Click here for an audio version of this devotional. SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 3:8–12 Now to sum up, all of you be like-minded, sympathetic, brotherly,
Devotion to the Elect | 1 Peter 3:8
SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 3:8–12 “Now to sum up, all of you be like-minded, sympathetic, brotherly, tender-hearted, and humble in spirit…” OBSERVATION | Since verse
Husbands Protect
SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 3:7 “You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as a weaker vessel, since she
Live in an Understanding Way
SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 3:7 You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, since
Husbands be Subject | 1 Peter 3:7
SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 3:7 You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, since
Submitting to a Sinful Husband | 1 Peter 3:3–6
SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 3:1–6 1In the same way, you wives, be subject to your own husbands so that even if any of them are
The Power of Pure Submission | 1 Peter 3:1-2
SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 3:1–2 In the same way, you wives, be subject to your own husbands so that even if any of them are
Be Submissive to Your Own Husband | 1 Peter 3:1
SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 3:1 — In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands OBSERVATION | Our first lesson of 1
Thou Shalt Suffer Willingly | 1 Peter 2:21–25
SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 2:21–25 (LSB) — For to this you have been called, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that
Christian Freedom | 1 Peter 2:16–17
SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 2:16–17 — Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as
Obey All Authority Always | 1 Peter 2:13-15, 18-20
SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 2:13–15, 18-20 — Be subject for the sake of the Lord to every human institution, whether to a king as the
Exiles for God’s Glory| 1 Peter 2:11–12
Click here for an audio version of this devotional. SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 2:11–12 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from
Chosen for a Purpose | 1 Peter 2:9-10
Click here for an audio version of this devotional. SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 2:9–10 But you are A CHOSEN FAMILY, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY
Gloria in Excelsis Deo | Luke 2:13-14
READ | Luke 2:13–14 — And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God
Truth Offends | 1 Peter 2:4-8
Click here for an audio version of this devotional. SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 2:4–8 “And coming to Him as to a living stone which has
Longing For Scripture | 1 Peter 2:1-3
Click here for an audio version of this devotional. SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 2:1–3 “Therefore, laying aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and
Man’s Humility, Scripture’s Exaltation | 1 Peter 1:24-25
Click here for an audio version of this devotional. SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 1:24–25 “For, “ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS, AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE
Making True Disciples | 1 Peter 1:22-23
Click here for an audio version of this devotional. SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 1:22–23 “Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls
A Right Fear of Judgement Day | 1 Peter 1:17-19
Click here for an audio version of this devotional. SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 1:17–19 “And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges
Live Holy in All Your Conduct | 1 Peter 1:14-16
Click here for an audio version of this devotional. SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 1:14–16 “As obedient children, not being conformed to the former lusts which
The Most Neglected Treasure | 1 Peter 1:10-12
Click here for the audio version of this devotional. SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 1:10–12 “Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who prophesied of the grace that
Suffering for Glory | 1 Peter 1:6-7
SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 1:6–7 “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various
Protected by God | 1 Peter 1:5
SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 1:5 “You, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the
Chosen by God alone and for God alone | 1 Peter 1:1-2
SCRIPTURE | 1 Peter 1:1–2 “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as exiles, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
True Disciples | 2 Timothy 2:2
SCRIPTURE | 2 Timothy 2:2 “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who
Saved and Called to Holiness | 2 Timothy 1:9
SCRIPTURE | 2 Timothy 1:9 “Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His
Guard Your Faith | 1 Timothy 6:20-21
SCRIPTURE | 1 Timothy 6:20–21 “Guard what has been entrusted to you, turning aside from godless and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what
Should a Believer Drink Wine? | 1 Timothy 5:23
SCRIPTURE | 1 Timothy 5:23 “No longer drink only water, but take a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.”
Not Loving Money is the Way | Hebrews 13:5
SCRIPTURE | Hebrews 13:5–6 “Make sure that your way of life is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for
Honor Biblical Marriage | Hebrews 13:4
SCRIPTURE | Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled, for the sexually immoral
Striving Against Sin | Hebrews 12:4
Scripture | Hebrews 12:4 “You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin.” Observation | First, we must
Pure of Other’s Sins | 1 Timothy 5:22
Scripture | 1 Timothy 5:22 ”Do not lay hands upon anyone hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself pure.” Observation
Divine Gender Roles | 1 Timothy 5:8
Scripture | 1 Timothy 5:8 “If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith
Train for Godliness | 1 Timothy 4:7
Scripture | 1 Timothy 4:7 “Train yourself for the purpose of godliness” Observation | The Lord in His Word warns against falling away (v.1). He
He Must Lead Well | 1 Timothy 3:4
Scripture | 1 Timothy 3:4 An overseer, then, must be… leading his own household well, having his children in submission with all dignity Observation |
Lord of Peace | 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Scripture | 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually give you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!
Abstain From All Evil | 1 Thessalonians 5:22
Scripture | 1 Thessalonians 5:16–22 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do
Do not Despise Prophecies | 1 Thessalonians 5:20
Scripture | 1 Thessalonians 5:16–22 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do
Do not Quench the Spirit | 1 Thessalonians 5:19
Scripture | 1 Thessalonians 5:16–22 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do
Give Thanks in Everything | 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Scripture | 1 Thessalonians 5:16–22 “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do
Pray without Ceasing | 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Scripture | “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the
Rejoice Always | 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Scripture | “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the
Know Your Leaders | 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14
Scripture | 1 Thessalonians 5:12–14 “But we ask of you, brothers, that you know those who labor among you, and lead you in the Lord
Boasting in Others | 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
Scripture | 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20 “For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting? Is it not even you, before our Lord Jesus
Treasuring God’s Word | 1 Thessalonians 2:13
Scripture | 1 Thessalonians 2:13 “For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from
Godliness | 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12
Scripture | 1 Thessalonians 2:10–12 “You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; just as
Flattery, and Man’s Glory | 1 Thessalonians 2:4-7
Scripture | “We speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts. For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor
Whatever You Do, Do for the Lord | Colossians 3:23–25
Scripture | “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive
Dead to Sin | Colossians 3:9-10
Scripture | “… since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to
Two Great Errors to Avoid | Colossians 1:29
Scripture | “For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.” Colossians 1:29 Observation | The two greatest
All About Jesus | Colossians 1:15-18
Scripture | “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the
In the Kingdom of Light | Colossians 1:13-15
Scripture | “…giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us
To the Father be Glory | Philippians 4:20
Scripture | Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:20 Observation | First we can learn from verse
Be Anxious for Nothing | Philippians 4:6
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 Observation |
Many Walk | Philippians 3:18-19
Scripture | “For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of
Forget About It | Philippians 3:12-13
Scripture | “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of
The Greatest Exchange | Philippians 3:8
Scripture | “More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for
Evil Workers in the Church | Philippians 3:2-3
Scripture | “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; for we are the true circumcision, who worship in
Active Holiness | Philippians 2:15-16
Scripture | So that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and
Thou Shalt not Grumble | Philippians 2:14
Scripture | Do all things without grumbling or disputing; Philippians 2:14 Observation | The first lesson of this new covenant command for our lips, is
Humility | Philippians 2:3
Scripture | Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 Observation
Death & Life | Philippians 1:21-23
S.Scripture | For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this
Words and Thoughts | Psalm 19:14
S.Scripture | Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my
We Need Strength | Ephesians 6:10
S.Scripture | Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the might of His strength. Ephesians 6:10 O.Observation | The first lesson we learn from
Work Ethic | Ephesians 6:5-8
S.Scripture | Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the integrity of your heart,
Unconditional Love | Ephesians 5:33
S.Scripture | Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that
The Selfless Role | Ephesians 5:23
S.Scripture | For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior
Subject in Everything | Ephesians 5:24-25
S.Scripture | But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your
Godliness | Ephesians 5:1
S.Scripture | Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, Ephesians 5:1 O.Observation | So much wonderful doctrine is found in this verse. For one
Words that Tear Down | Ephesians 4:29
S.Scripture | Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for building up what is needed, so
Active Holiness | Ephesians 4:24
S.Scripture | and to put on the new man, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
Speak Truth | Ephesians 4:15
S.Scripture | but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is Christ.
Humility | Ephesians 4:2-3
S.Scripture | With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in
Ephesians 3:16
S.Scripture | that He would give you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner
Ephesians 2:19-20
S.Scripture | “So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having
Ephesians 2:8-10
S.Scripture | “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works,
Ephesians 2:6-7
S.Scripture | and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages
Ephesians 2:4-5
S.Scripture | But God, being rich in mercy because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our
Ephesians 2:1-3
S.Scripture | You were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the
Ephesians 1:4
S.Scripture | He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him in love, Ephesians
Galatians 1:9-10
S.Scripture | As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is proclaiming to you a gospel contrary to what you
2 Corinthians 13:8
S.Scripture | For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. 2 Corinthians 13:8 O.Observation | For Paul, the truth of
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
S.Scripture | And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will
2 Corinthians 11:14-15
S.Scripture | Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his ministers also disguise themselves as ministers of
2 Corinthians 10:5-6
S.Scripture | As we tear down speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to the
2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1
S.Scripture | “Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord. “AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN, And I will welcome
2 Corinthians 5:9
S.Scripture | 9Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:9 O.Observation | Verse
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
S.Scripture | For our momentary, light affliction is working out for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not
2 Corinthians 3:5
S.Scripture | Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 2 Corinthians 3:5
2 Corinthians 2:15-17
S.Scripture | For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; 16to the
1 Corinthians 16:22
S.Scripture | If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha. 1 Corinthians 16:22 O.Observation | The word “accursed” is literally
Proverbs 15:26
SOAP Devotional >> Learn more here S-Scripture | Proverbs 15:26 “Evil thoughts are an abomination to Yahweh” O-Observation | The first lesson we learn from
1 Corinthians 12:27
S.Scripture | “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27 O.Observation | The body, Christ’s church, belongs to Christ. Each
1 Corinthians 7:19
S.Scripture | “Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God.” 1 Corinthians 7:19 O.Observation |
1 Corinthians 6:20
S.Scripture | “For you were bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20 O.Observation | In the immediate context Paul
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WHAT ARE DEVOTIONALS?
There is an immeasurable value to having a time of “undistracted devotion to the Lord” in the daily life of a true believer (1 Co 7:35). Even our Lord Jesus hid away prayer (Matt 14:23; Mark 6:46; Luke 928). He also taught His followers to pray in secret (Matt 6:6-7 ). If the Lord Himself hid away to pray, we would do well to follow His example. For a Jewish man like Jesus, Prayer was not a laundry list of requests, but a time that flowed from meditations of scripture. It was the expected that the Shema was prayed at every morning and night (Deuteronomy 6:4–9), which is the key reason why other texts were meditated on as well.
Scripture and prayer are meant to be married together. Like any relationship, to know God means we hear Him speak through His Word, and we also speak back to him. True and living faith is more than simply subscribing to the reality that Jesus died and rose again for our salvation. That truth reconciles us to the Heavenly Father. This reconciliation is the restoration of a relationship and a relationship is alive and healthy when there is communication.
WHAT IS SOAP?
A S.O.A.P. devotional journal is one of many practices of believers to help discipline themselves to spend undistracted devotion to the Lord. For God’s glory alone, and to spur you on to this love of God in your own walk, I will share some samples of my S.O.A.P. time here.
S.Scripture comes from my reading through the bible. I pray and wait for one verse that the Lord has for me from the day, write it down, then continue my reading and come back to it when my section is done.
O.Observation is a reflection on the context of that verse, in order to find God’s meaning of the one verse in the context of the teaching He was revealing.
A.Application gives an opportunity to find faith and obedience, to lead us to what God calls us to confidently believe and how He calls us to live.
P.Prayer is how we humbly turn to God from His promises and commands for living and seek His power to give us faith and change in our lives.
WHY DOESN’T ANCIENTPATH.LIFE RELEASE DAILY DEVOTIONALS?
The hope and goal of providing devotionals here is to equip God’s people with both biblical teaching and an example. That is, the goal is not to fulfill the need for a true believer’s personal time in prayer and scripture. This can be a danger of daily devotionals written by others. We pick up their thoughts and reflections in our own devotional time and yet never learn to read, study and reflect on the effective Word of God on our own. Let these devotionals never be used to fill your devotional time, but to supplement and motivate them on to greater maturity. In other words, it would be an answer to prayer if those who read these would begin their own devotional journals and perhaps use a method like soap to better understand and know the Bible for themselves.