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!