November 19, 2018: SOAP #3173:  Matthew 5-7

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 6:3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Observation:  What do these have in common:  giving to the needy, praying, and fasting?  These common practices of Christian living get special attention from God when done in secret.  He is sure to reward those who do these things.

Application: These things can be done with a motive of making myself look good, so I am not really serving others as much as I am serving myself.  God very much dislikes selfishness so He promises to reward me when I do those things in secret.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, I am your servant, so it makes no difference who sees my service.  That you notice is enough.  Your smile is my reward.  Holy Spirit, show me how to serve in the shadows.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

November 18, 2018: SOAP #3272:  Matthew 1-4

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 1:19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Observation:  Joseph was a righteous man.  Mary was pregnant. She had already broken the marriage engagement.  Joseph would do what a righteous man would do.  He also would set aside the engagement.  But he was also a good man who loved Mary.  He did not want her to be humiliated.  He would not make a big scene, so everyone would know how much he had been hurt. He would do it quietly.

But God stopped him!   There was a higher purpose in what was happening.  Joseph was to be a part of something much greater than he ever dreamed.

Application: I am glad to know that God can stop me.  Sometimes when God stops me, it is because I am about to make a fool of myself.  God kindly steps in and corrects my direction.  At other times when God stops me, it is because He has a higher purpose.  He is allowing me to be a part of something much greater.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, may I, like Joseph, be easy to change, easy to re-direct, easy to refocus on what you have for me to do.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!