December 31, 2017: SOAP #2950:  Revelation 19-22

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 21 9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, “Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” 10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;…

Observation:  What began in the mind of God (Revelation 13:8) and was put into action in the garden (Genesis 1:1), -progressively revealed throughout the Old Testament, -validated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, -explained in the epistles, -and visualized in Revelation—all of that comes to completion in these verses.  Here is the wrap up of God’s earth plan.  In this city is the fulfillment of God’s heart to have a loving relationship with one’s proved trustworthy—people who love Him because they choose to love Him!

Application:  What a high calling is mine.  I am one member in the body of Christ!  The more I read the Bible, the more I understand God’s big plan, the more I am amazed to be counted worthy to be a part.  I know it is not because of my perfect record, but because of my faith in Jesus’ perfect record and what He has done for me.  His death on the cross opens the door for sinners to be forgiven and included in God’s eternal plan.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, how amazing is the death of your Son!  It covers all my sins!   How amazing is the life of your Son!  He lives in me!  He is my Lord and Savior!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 30, 2017: SOAP #2949:  Revelation 15-18

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 17:16 The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. 17 For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God’s words are fulfilled.

Observation:  In the midst of a terrible time on earth when evil people are in power, we come across a scripture that clearly shows that even then God is in control.  In the Old Testament, God used wicked nations to punish Israel and to rebuild the temple.  In the New Testament, God used the Roman government to fulfill prophecies about the Jesus sacrifice.  In the early church, God used persecution to spread the gospel.

Application:  No matter how dark things may appear around me, I can have confidence that God’s plan for my life will be completed.  He can even use those against me to act for His purpose and my good.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, you are amazing.  Nothing is out of your ultimate control.  Indeed you work all things together for my good and your glory!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 29, 2017: SOAP #2948:  Revelation 10-14

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 14:12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.

Observation:  During times of trouble, saints of God often need to exercise “patient endurance.”  The word “patient” indicates that the answer may not come as quickly or in the manner we would like.  The word “endurance” indicates that the waiting might be hard.

Faith needs to be strong enough to endure and long enough to wait until the answer comes.  Sometimes faith is weak and sometimes too short.

Hebrews 11 tells of people who “patiently endured” their troubles and were “still living by faith when they died.” (verse 13).

Application:  I need to keep my eyes on the prize!  It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!  Being positive and joyful helps keep my faith healthy.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, keep reminding me of things that build my faith.  Keep my eyes on things that make me joyful.  May my faith be strong enough to overcome the troubles and trials I face.  May my faith be long enough to carry me into eternity.  May I still be living by faith when I die.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 28, 2017: SOAP #2947:  Revelation 5-9

Scripture:  John (NIV) 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Revelation (NIV) 9:15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.  16 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them…. 20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not…

Observation:  In reading the Bible, it is obvious that God is always prepared.  He does not overlook any detail in His preparation.  In John we read that preparations are being made for a special place in heaven for those who believe in God and in Jesus, His Son.  God’s love demands it!

In Revelation we see that preparation is also being made for judgment on those who do not believe.  God’s holiness demands it!

Application:  Two destinations have been prepared and God graciously gives me the choice.  He is not holding out two closed hands asking me to guess which hand to choose.  He is holding out His hands open and palms up telling me to choose.  He tells me to consider the end of my life.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, I choose you!  I choose to believe you!  You are trustworthy and faithful.  You are believable.  I choose you!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 27, 2017: SOAP #2946:  Revelation 1-4

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 1:9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.”

Observation:  John describes his experience as being “in the Spirit.”  John’s mind became keenly aware of the spirit world and lost its focus on his physical surroundings.  While “in the Spirit,” John heard something!

This is not an uncommon experience of people to whom God desires to speak.  2Peter 1:21 says that the scriptures came as “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

Application:  I believe God still speaks to people today.  Often as I read the Bible, the Holy Spirit seems to lift a word, or phrase, or verse off the page and paste it in my heart.  It is the Holy Spirit’s “copy and paste” ministry.  Then as I meditate on that, the Spirit’s “unfolding ministry” opens my understanding like the opening of the petals of a beautiful rose.  In many ways throughout my day, God brings something to my thoughts, or draws my attention to something nearby.  When I become aware that I am “in the Spirit” I need to be listening!

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, you are always speaking!  Holy Spirit, help me to be always listening!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 26, 2017: SOAP #2945:  Psalm 117; 119:81-176; 2John; 3John

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 119:162 I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil.
Psalm (MSSG) 119:162 I’m ecstatic over what you say, like one who strikes it rich.

Observation:  This verse is not about the value of God’s Word; it is about how valuable it was to the psalmist.  The Word has great value!  But that does not mean we treat it as having much value.  People who know us can easily tell what we treasure.

Application:  How valuable is God’s Word to me?  That can be seen in how I read it, how I meditate on it, how I apply it to my daily actions, how I share it with others.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, both my words and actions demonstrate the value I place on Your word.  I want others to see that I highly value what you have said.  Use my life to encourage others to value Your word.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

Dear friends,  I am taking this opportunity to send my Christmas greetings!  I pray that today, and every day of the coming year, you come to recognize His Presence as the stabilizing force in your life.  A special thanks for those who faithfully translate the SOAPs.  Thank you for making a place for me in your ministry.  I pray that the daily devotions speak to your hearts as they speak to mine.  Merry Christmas!   Leon

December 25, 2017: SOAP #2944:  1John 1-5

Scripture:  1John (NIV) 3:24 Those who obey his commands live (KJV-dwelleth) in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives (KJV-abideth) in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

Observation:  In reading through 1John this time, my attention was drawn to the on-going aspect of our Christian life.  Throughout the book we read the words: continue, remain, abide, live, dwells.  It is so much more than a prayer we once prayed; it is a life we continue to live.  God did not visit us once; God has taken up residence in us!

With the Spirit living in us, we have constant communication with God!  Our life is a continual conversation with the Holy Spirit.  We are walking temples of the Most High God!

Application:  How foolish to forget, or ignore, that God is with me.  To push ahead in my endeavors without getting His input—I miss out on the greatest resource I have!   The best application of my wisdom is to rely on His wisdom—the omniscient Spirit living within me!

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, how blest I am to have you living in me.  How wise of the Heavenly Father to assign you to share my life.  He knew my limitations and how much I need you all day, every day! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 24, 2017: SOAP #2943:  John 19-21

Scripture:  John (NIV) 20:26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”

Observation:  Although the scripture does not specify, I believe the doors were locked by the disciples because of their fear.  The ones who had crucified their Lord might be coming after them.

Application:  It really does not matter who locks the doors.  I can lock doors to keep others from entering my space.  Or others may lock doors to keep me in.  The doors may be locked by sickness or circumstances beyond my control.  For whatever reason I may be locked in, Jesus can never be locked out!!!   To those behind locked doors He says, “Peace be with you!”

To senior citizens who are locked in by illness, physical limitations, adult children’s decisions, lack of finances, etc.  Rejoice because Jesus can never be locked out of your life, your room, or your circumstances!

Prayer:   Lord Jesus, you are omnipresent!  Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, you are always with me.  I am never locked away from your presence!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 23, 2017: SOAP #2942:  John 15-18

Scripture:  John (NIV) 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Observation:  Jesus was speaking to his disciples about the joy He had in their love and growth, AND about their joy.

I know a young boy who seems to enjoy watching others hurt.  I have seen him laugh when he saw others getting into trouble.  I know some adults that seem to enjoy seeing others suffer.  It makes them feel more important if they can cause trouble for someone else.

But Jesus is not that way!   His joy is in me, and He desires that my joy be full!

Application:  I should find joy in what brings joy to others.  In increasing their joy, I will increase my joy.  Of course, the One to Whom I most want to bring joy, is my Heavenly Father.  Probably the greatest joy I can bring to others is to bring them to Jesus.  And that brings great joy to Jesus also!

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, may my life be a source of joy to you!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 22, 2017: SOAP #2941:  John 12-14

Scripture:  John (NIV) 14:21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”
John (NIV) 14:23 Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
John (NIV) 14:28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away, and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.
John (NIV) 14:31 but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. “Come now; let us leave.

Observation:  As Jesus approaches His death, He speaks to His disciples on important issues.  No issue was more important to Jesus than His Father.  Everything He did, He did for the Father.  He did exactly what the Father commanded Him to do.  Jesus worked with and for His Father.

He wanted His disciples to love, honor, and obey the Father with the same intensity He had done.

Application:  In loving Jesus, I come to love the Father.  In understanding Jesus, I understand the Father.  In pleasing Jesus, I please the Father.  In the presence of Jesus, I find the Father.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, in loving and serving Jesus, I am coming to know you.  Your Son, Jesus, loves you and is proud of you.  You are of great importance to Jesus.  You are His priority!  You are of great importance to me.  You are my priority! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!