January 14, 2017: SOAP #2599:  Genesis 34-36; Luke 14

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 14:7 When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable:  8 “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited.  9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place.  10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests.  11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Observation:  A person who voluntarily humbles himself will exalted by others.  And if people do not exalt that person, God will exalt them, and that is even better!!!

Application:    Any businessman or woman knows that the road to success is to excel in serving customers.  Governments which serve their citizens are considered good; those which rule their citizens are bad.

The times I complain, I see a need but want someone else to meet it.  In those times, I seldom consider that God might be showing me a way to be successful in life by serving others.   I need to consider what my part might be.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, show me, teach me, help me to walk in humility.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!