October 1, 2017: SOAP #2859: Zechariah 10-12; Psalm 126; Luke 14

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 14:12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Observation:  Note the two positive statements.  No “perhaps;” no “might be.”  But twice we find “will be!”  You will be blessed!   And although the investment might not be returned in this life, it will not be forgotten in eternity!

Application:  Doing things for people who cannot repay you is definitely a good investment.  Since I am planning on spending eternity in heaven this is a good way to send things ahead.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, you take note of how I use money. It is important to you!  I pray that the application of the money you provide brings joy to your heart!   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

September 30, 2017: SOAP #2858: Zechariah 7-9; Luke 13

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 13:18 Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? 19 It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches.”
20 Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to?  21  It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

Observation:  Like a tiny mustard seed, the kingdom of God starts small then grows and grows until it is like a tree in which Birds can gather.  Like yeast, the kingdom of God will be worked through our lives until every aspect of our lives are affected by the kingdom of God.

Application:  It started with me possessing the Kingdom.  It was such a small part of my life.  But as I grew in understanding, the Kingdom became more and more influential in my life. I no longer see that I possess the Kingdom; now the Kingdom possesses me.  Where I am in maturity can be easily seen in my prayers.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, the emphasis is moving from what you can do for me to what I can do for you.    Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!