May 02, 2018: SOAP #3072: 1Chronicles 16; Psalm 106; Matthew 19

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 106:43 Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin. 44 But he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; 45 for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented.

Observation:    What an amazing God.  He chose Israel to be His people.  He had great plans for them.  He established them in the land of Canaan.  But they forgot about Him and turned to the gods of the other nations.  Again, and again, God punished them and then delivered them when they repented and cried unto Him.

God was being faithful to His word.  He had promised to send the Messiah to make the once-and-for-all-time sacrifice for sin.  God did not turn a deaf ear to Israel but listened and “took note of their distress.”  God gave them His attention.

Application:  As God’s child, one whose sins are forgiven by the blood of His Son Jesus, and one in whom the Holy Spirit dwells, I am glad to know that God listens and gives His attention when I cry out in distress.

There is no other helper who loves me as God does!  There is no other helper so willing to forgive!  There is no other helper willing to help me a 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, etc. time!  There is no other helper who can hear my faintest cry!  There is no other helper so able to deliver me from that which distresses me!

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, you have not given up on me, but continue to hear my cry, forgive my sins, and help me.  Your love amazes me!   Your love for me personally amazes me!  I love you!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!