July 10, 2017: SOAP #2776: Micah 5-7; Hebrews 7

Scripture:  Micah (NIV) 7:7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.
9 Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the LORD’s wrath, until he pleads my case and establishes my right. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness.

Observation:   Evil has taken over the land.  The godly have been “swept” out of the land.  The rulers, judges, and powerful people conspire together to do evil.  Family members cannot be trusted.

Application:  What am I to do when evil appears to take over my nation?
1. Watch in hope: live with expectation that God will work things out for my good. Though I have fallen I will arise!
2. Wait: be patient and ready to respond to God’s call.  Wait for the light!
3. Think truth: think positive!  The LORD will hear me; the LORD will be my light!  Do not let my mind think that He is not listening.  He will bring me out of these troubles!

Prayer:    Lord, like Micah, help me live with confidence in you.  I watch in hope because I know you hear me.  I wait for you and keep my thoughts set upon you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

July 9, 2017: SOAP #2775: Micah 1-4; Hebrews 6

Scripture:  Hebrews (NIV) 6:13 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no-one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”
15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

Observation:  Verse 15 says, “Abraham received what was promised.”  The promise was to Abraham and Sarah his wife.  It was a promise of MANY descendants.  Yet Abraham and Sarah had only one son, Isaac.

I am thinking that Abraham was, and is, as alive as was Elijah and Moses when they visited Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration.   When the book of Hebrews was written, the whole nation of Israel was a testimony that God had kept His promise to Abraham.  It is a promise that God continues keeping, for Abraham continues living!  Abraham has received the promise, and is still receiving the promise!

Application:  If I die before receiving a promise from God, I need not feel that God has forgotten His word.  To be not living in this body clearly does not mean that I am not living.  God does not need me present to make things happen.  If Jesus is ever interceding for us, when I join him in heaven, I am quite certain that I will join His ministry of intercession.  I can continue interceding in heaven as I can intercede while on earth.  And God will continue keeping His promises!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I trust you to keep your promises.  You have the character of a promise keeper!  Continue to develop that same character in me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!