February 4, 2018: SOAP #2985:  Exodus 37-38; Psalm 19; Acts 11

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 11:22 News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Observation:   It is good to note that evidence of the grace of God is seeable!   It could even be said that it is hard to hide.  God’s grace on the inside changes how we see things, changes how we respond to interruptions, changes our complaining to thanksgiving.

Only one step out of our home in the morning tells me if the wind is blowing.   I see the clouds moving in the sky.  I see the leaves dancing on the trees.  I see a piece of paper moving along the ground.  I feel the breeze blowing across the check.  These are all evidence of something I cannot see.

Application:   God’s grace cannot be seen, but the evidence of God’s grace in my heart cannot be missed.  My words and actions display God’s grace.

When I see evidence of God’s grace in people’s lives around me, I should be quick to give a word of encouragement.  “I like your tee-shirt.”  “That is the way Jesus would have done it.”  “I saw you pray over your lunch.”  “That is a good bumper sticker on your car.”  “Thanks for mentioning the name of Jesus in public.”

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, may I be your eyes to see and your mouth to speak words of appreciation and encouragement to those whose lives show evidence of your presence!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

February 2, 2018: SOAP #2983:  Exodus 35-36; Acts 10

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 10:9 About noon … Peter went up on the roof to pray….30 Cornelius answered: “Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor.

Observation:   Two characters, vastly different backgrounds, totally different positions in life, yet both involved in praying.
Peter:  one of Jesus’ closest disciples who had experienced the tongues of fire and been filled with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost.  Yet he is still full of prejudice against Gentiles.  While he is praying, he has a heavenly vision with some specific instructions.
Cornelius: a Roman soldier, a commander over 100 soldiers.  What I see as uncharacteristic for a Roman soldier, he had a kind heart for the poor and had the habit of praying.  While he was praying, he had a heavenly visitor with specific instructions to send for Peter with specific information as to where Peter could be found.

In their time of talking with God, God began a process that ministered to their different needs and linked them together for the ages.  God ministered to Peter’s prejudice and to Cornelius need for acceptance into the Kingdom of God.

Application:   There are people around me who need to know they are worthy and acceptable in God’s kingdom.   They may soon be forced to leave the only home they have ever known and return to a country they have never really known.  They need to know that the United States is not the kingdom of God!    What a shame it would be if they had to leave our nation before they met Jesus!   Church, we have some work to do!!! We need our prejudices removed!!!

Prayer:    Holy Spirit, work in me/us and through me/us, I/we pray. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!