September 24, 2016: SOAP #2487:  Ezra 1; Psalm 84-85; Luke 7

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 84:5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.  6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.  7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.

Observation:   “Baca” is the Hebrew word for weeping.  What a blessing are those who turn valleys of “weeping” into valleys of springs.  They passed through the valley and left it a better place.  While in the valley, they dug a well.  They dug for water and the Lord sent water from the sky.  They turned it into a blessing for others who would enter that valley later.  Their testimony would be an encouragement.  Perhaps they wrote a book about God’s keeping power.

Application:    What an amazing gift are the people who walk through the valley of difficulty and tears, and intercede for those around them.  Sometimes the actions of our children or grandchildren can hurt to the point of tears.  What a blessing can come when those tears of hurt and exasperation are turned into tears of intercession.

Prayer:   Lord, what a special ministry is available when I walk through tough times.  I need to keep my focus on you.  I need to keep in touch with you in prayer.  I need to let you develop my valley of weeping into a valley of blessing for others. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!