Being Wise

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

June 9: Ecclesiastes 10-12; Psalm 94; Ephesians 5

Scripture: Ephesians (NIV) 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Observation: Paul’s words to the church in Ephesus are good for any church in any day. We must be wise because the days are evil. Recently I have heard several words of encouragement that God is going to do great things in and through his church. I have a concern in my spirit that as we rejoice in this word we really are not ready for the hard times we are about to face in the world and especially in our nation. As we endure the hard times, we will find God doing miracles in response to our faith. As our economy worsens, we will need to trust God to be our miraculous provider. As the health care systems collapse, we will have to trust God to be our miraculous healer. As religious freedom is taken from us, we will find a worthy God miraculously strengthening us in times of persecution. As world systems fail us, we will find we can trust a miracle working God to never fail.

Application: Wisdom for me is to keep my eyes on Jesus and not let them get focused on the things in the world. Wisdom for me is to keep my ears tuned to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Wisdom for me is to not put off until tomorrow what I believe God wants me to do today.

Prayer: Lord, I believe the troubling days ahead for our nation can be exciting days for your church. Help me to walk in faith ever listening to and obeying the Holy Spirit. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!