June 16, 2018: SOAP #3117: 1Kings 20-21; 2Chronicles 17; Colossians 3

Scripture:  2Kings (NIV) 20:16 And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD. 17 Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD. 18 And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon. 19 Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?

Observation:   King Hezekiah had shown visitors from Babylon everything in his possession—all his wealth and armament.  Isaiah pointed out that was a terrible mistake because a day will come with the Babylonians will come back and carry off your sons and your possessions.   Hezekiah said the word of judgment was good, because it would not happen in Hezekiah’s day!

Application:  I remember Mr. Johnson, my high school history teacher, saying that a politician considers only the next election while a statesman considers the next generation.  Today, the world is a more dangerous place because former leaders did not properly deal with nations wanting to gain nuclear weapons.  Their agreements were for their day and did not properly consider future generations.

It is not only for leaders of nations to consider future generations, but for leaders of families and churches.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, I need the wisdom of your guidance as I make decisions that will affect future generations.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

June 16, 2018: SOAP #3117: 1Kings 17-19; Colossians 2

Scripture:  Colossians (NIV) 2:8 See to it that no-one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. 9 For in Christ all the fulness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and you have been given fulness in Christ, who is the Head over every power and authority.

Observation:  The fullness of God is in Jesus.  And the fullness of Jesus is in believers.

How foolish to place my trust in anything except Jesus.  All that God is, is in Christ.  And all that Christ is lives in me.  The fullness of all God’s being is in Christ.  There is nothing lacking!  And when Christ makes my heart His home, all that Christ is, dwells inside me.

Application:  If I had a million dollars in my bank account, I should not be living like a pauper.  And since I have Christ living in my life, I should not be living like a helpless, hopeless, worried, discouraged, complaining, Christian.  With Christ, all things are possible.  Nothing is impossible!  That truth should be evident to all who see me and hear me.

Prayer:    Holy Spirit, keep reminding me to Whom I belong and Who lives in me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!