June 19, 2018: SOAP #3120: 2Kings 1-3; Psalm 82; 1Timothy 1

Scripture:  1Timothy (NIV) 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Observation:   The King who is eternal, immortal and invisible, and Who is the only God deserves honor and glory.  He deserves it “for ever and ever.”  Throughout all eternity, He will deserve to be appreciated and honored.  But the above verse starts with “Now.” He deserves the admiration today.

Application:  When I think of eternity, I am usually thinking of life in heaven when I die.  I think of how long eternity will last.  There will be no end to the honor and glory that will be given to the King!

Then I realized that “for ever and ever” is not for ever and ever unless it includes now!   Now is a part of “for ever and ever.”  The King deserves the honor and glory now!   I should not wait until I arrive in heaven to give him my glory and honor.  It must start today!   “NOW unto the King eternal…”

Prayer:    Heavenly and Eternal King, you deserve honor and glory today.  I want to take the opportunity I have today to praise and worship You.    Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

June 18, 2018: SOAP #3119: 1Kings 22; 2Chronicles 18,19; Colossians 4

Scripture:  Colossians (NIV) 4:7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

Observation:   Paul wanted the church in Colossi to know what was happening to him and his ministry.  He wrote to them AND he was sending Tychicus and Onesimus with the specific instruction to answer any questions they may have.

Application:  People who are depending on financial and prayer support from others need to be careful to keep them informed of what God is doing.  Those requesting prayer have a responsibility to report back on how God is answering those prayers.

Those who labor in prayer should reap the joy of knowing how God has answered.  Withholding the testimony of God’s answer from those who labored in prayer is robbing them of a part if their reward.   Letting them know how God answered encourages them to continue praying.  Letting them know how God answered is a good way to express appreciation that someone was praying

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, remind me to express appreciation for those who have taken seriously my prayer requests. Help me be faithful to give God glory by sending a testimony of how their prayers were answered.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!