January 10, 2016:  SOAP #2229:   

Scripture:  Genesis (NIV) 26:25 Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the LORD. There he pitched his tent, and there his servants dug a well.

Observation:  Isaac did three things.  First, he built an altar.  Being mentioned first, speaks to me of priority.  That he built it, speaks to me of permanence.  Second, he pitched his tent.  Being mentioned second shows that his family relationship was secondary to his relationship to God.  Third, he dug a well.  He put effort into a project that would bless generations to come.  There was a time when life was lived along the banks of rivers.  With wells being dug, life could be lived far away from the river.

Application:   What is permanent must take priority over what is temporary.  My relationship to God is permanent.  All other relationships must be second to that.  My relationship to my home/family must be properly maintained.  And God wants me to put effort into that which will bless generations to come.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, help me to properly care for these three priorities.  Lord, thank you for those who translate these SOAP devotionals into other languages, making them available to those who do not live near the English-speaking river.  Bless and encourage them I pray.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!