Liberal application of SOAP

Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer (SOAP) is a recipe for reflection and learning. A liberal application of SOAP won't make me clean but it may help me to live next to God (as in cleanliness is next to Godliness), which is probably a good albeit challenging thing.

The SOAP readings from Northside Community Church for today are James 3 1-12 and this is called Taming the Tongue - "All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing."

Enough said, I really do think these readings are directed at me personally. In late October a counsellor suggested to me that I try and go one day (just one) without saying something negative, in an injurious tone or in a sarcastic way. Sadly, although I have tried every day, and been conscious of this goal every day, I haven't managed to stay positive in every word I utter for a single day in five months. Sigh.

Life Journal Reading Plan 1 Samuel 11-12, 1 Chronicles 11, 2 Corinthians 12
I struggle with much of the Old Testament, it truly is about thunder, fire and sword and while I enjoy sword and sandals as much as the next person - especially when starring Russell Crowe, Brad Pitt and Eric Bana - I find it difficult to see what all this smiting is telling me except for this "Only fear Jehovah, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you." That at least is a message that I understand and can follow.

I don't trouble to try and understand the begats and the begetters in Chronicles, it is beyond me. I don't understand why I need to know the family trees of men who lived thousands of years ago.

"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ." Paul isn't my favourite writer but this is clear enough.