February 17: Numbers 1-2; Acts 24

My impatience/His faithfulness!

Scripture: Acts 24:27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

Observation: When Paul first became a follower of Jesus he was told that he was chosen to take the message of Jesus before kings. Years later when arrested in Jerusalem he was specifically told he would be testifying in Rome. (Acts 23:11) But two years have passed and Paul is still in jail in Judea! Two years—a long time to wait—and to be waiting in jail—Paul was waiting for others to make decisions concerning his life. He was totally powerless to determine his own course of life yet he eventually made it to Rome. (Acts 28:16) (In Genesis 41:1 we read of Joseph also waiting an additional two years in prison after revealing the dreams of the butler and cup-bearer.)

Application: Sometimes when I read the Bible, I think that things happen as fast as I can read about them. But verses like the one above let me know that though God is not always in a hurry, He is always faithful. I can trust God to bring about His promise in His timing. And I am far enough along in the course of my life to have some personal testimonies of God working through my impatience to prove His faithfulness!

Prayer: Lord, even though my patience may be stretched, I know I can count on your faithfulness. Amen.

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

NOTE: I believe this is the second time in three years that I have repeated a SOAP. However I have been meditating on these passages throughout the day and asking the Lord what He would have me write. During our Tuesday evening prayer service, the thought came to me that I should use this verse, so I came home ready to write it out. But when I looked, one was already written from October 2010. So with very few changes, here it is:

February 16: Leviticus 26-27; Acts 23

It is still a go…

Scripture: Acts 23:11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."

Observation: Paul had just found himself in the middle of turmoil and had been taken into custody. He may not have understood all that was happening to him, but God was clearly in control. The Lord was making arrangements for an all-expense paid trip to Rome.

The Lord makes a personal appearance to Paul to let him know He was not through with him and Paul was being sent to Rome. However it would take several years and Paul would make the trip as a prisoner.

Application: I can trust the Lord to work through the difficulties surrounding me for my good and His glory. His plan for me is still on and has not been cancelled or derailed.

Prayer: Lord, you reach out to me at the bottom of my troubles and assure me that you are in control and your plan for my life is still on track. Amen.

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

February 14: Leviticus 23-24; Psalm 24; Acts 21

Forward in Faith!

Scripture: Acts 21:11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’"

Observation: Paul should not have been surprised when his trip to Jerusalem ended up with him a prisoner on his way to Rome. All along this return journey to Jerusalem he had been warned that trouble awaited his arrival. Also when he first accepted Jesus as the Messiah, he was told that he would suffer and take the gospel to the kings of the Gentiles. (Acts 9:15-16) So Paul moved forward in faith!

Application: When we receive warning from the Holy Spirit that trouble is ahead, we need not fear. We can anticipate it as a challenge in which God will bring us through to victory. We can move forward in faith expecting God to work out the difficulties.

Prayer: Lord, when you warn me of coming trouble I can move forward in faith with assurance that it will not be bigger than you are able to handle! Amen.

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

February 13: Leviticus 20-22; Acts 20

It’s all about HIM!

Scripture: Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

Observation: What gives value to life? Different people have different thoughts. Some value their lives in respect to their families and others in respect to their possessions. Bottom line is that we all possess the human life made in the image of God which gives everyone value. And Christians should have even a greater sense of value as they have the Spirit of the Creator God living within them. Wow!

Paul had come to love God to such a level that he valued his own life only in terms of fulfilling God’s purpose.

Application: What am I? I am His creation! Whose am I? He bought me with the sacrifice of His Son! Why am I here? I am here to fulfill His purpose. My life is all about Him!

Prayer: Lord, my life is all about you! Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!