November 1, 2016: SOAP #2525:  Psalm 121; Mark 9-10

Scripture:  Mark (NIV) 10:28 Peter said to him, “We have left everything to follow you!”  29 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “no-one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life.  31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Observation:  There are some important principles to note in this passage.  First, heaven notices the sacrifices made for the gospel.  Second, God is no man’s debtor.  We sacrifice because we are responding to the sacrifice He has already made for us.  But He takes it personally and repays us in this life.  Third, it is worth-while to follow Jesus!   Fourth, I can expect to be persecuted as My Lord was.  Fifth, His rewards extend into eternity!

Application:   I have found the above principles working in my life.  I have not been able to out give God.  I am not wealthy in comparison to many, but I am able to give and can be more generous now than in the past.  (Generosity is not based on how much is given, but how much remains.)

Being faithful to tithe has proven to be a wise financial practice.  It is the foundation of my financial plan.  My retirement is based on tithing.  I am so glad I learned this principle early in life and so glad that I have been faithful to tithe in difficult times.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, It is my privilege to serve you.  You bless me so much more than I deserve. Your generosity and faithfulness far exceeds mine.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!