February 18, 2018: SOAP #2999:  Numbers 3-4; Acts 25

Scripture:  Numbers (NIV) 4:46 So Moses, Aaron and the leaders of Israel counted all the Levites by their clans and families. 47 All the men from thirty to fifty years of age who came to do the work of serving and carrying the Tent of Meeting 48 numbered 8,580. 49 At the LORD’s command through Moses, each was assigned his work and told what to carry. Thus they were counted, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Observation:   Chapters 3 & 4 continue God’s organization plan.  In the first two chapters, God organized the nation, assigning the tribes their assigned spaces and marching order.  In the second two chapters, God organizes the tribe of Levi.  He assigns their responsibilities for the ministry in the tabernacle and their assigned parts to carry on moving days.

In moving the tabernacle through the wilderness, no one had to carry it all, but each one had to faithfully carry their assignment.

Application:   It is important for church leaders to delegate ministry responsibilities.  It is just as important for each member to faithfully receive and carry out those responsibilities.  It is important for me to be faithful in what God has assigned me.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, I am amazed that you allow me to be a part of what you are doing in the earth today.  Holy Spirit, empower me to fulfill my assignment.  May you be glorified in my life.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

February 17, 2018: SOAP #2998:  Numbers 1-2; Acts 24

Scripture:  Numbers (NIV) 1:52 The Israelites are to set up their tents by divisions, each man in his own camp under his own standard.
Numbers (NIV) 2:34 So the Israelites did everything the LORD commanded Moses; that is the way they encamped under their standards, and that is the way they set out, each with his clan and family.

Observation:   Before leading the Israelites across the desert and into the promise land, they needed to be organized.  God gave them an orderly way to set up their camp.  This set the travel progression as they moved out in the morning and set up camp for the night.  It included taking down the tabernacle as they moved out and setting it up as they finished their journey for the day.  An orderly way was needed, and the God of Order provided the plan.

Application:  God’s rules are not to limit me, but to enable me to reach my potential.  God is a God of Order and He wisely serves me by setting the rules to guide and protect me.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, you love me and want to protect me from that which will harm me.  You want to help me enjoy this life and be the best I can be, so in your wisdom you give me rules.  Your rules are expressions of your love for me.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!