Friends,  Christmas Greetings to those who read these daily devotions.  I pray the Holy Spirit sparks something special in your heart and mind as you read the SOAPs.  I pray that God will cause faith to arise in your heart to believe the God can speak to you each day.  I encourage you to write down what you hear God saying to you.  Leave a record for those who will be following you in the faith.  Leon

December 25, 2016: SOAP #2579:  1John 1-5

Scripture:  1John (NIV) 3:24 Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us. 1John (NIV) 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Observation:   At Christmas time, giving gifts is a common part of the celebration.  I am sure that the custom is closely tied to the magi that came from the east bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  Of course, the greatest gift was given by God who gave His only begotten Son.  The Father also gave us the Holy Spirit to make our relationship personal.

Application:  A key for me to live a victorious Christian life is to take advantage of the gifts God has given me—the gift of His Son, the gift of the Holy Spirit, the gift of His Word, the gift of believing brothers and sisters and church leaders.   I would be foolish to leave any of these gifts unopened.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, you have provided for everything I need to live a victorious life for you.  Taking advantage of your many gifts, I can live in victory even while I am in the struggle. Thank you!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!