December 23, 2018: SOAP #3307:  John 15-18

Scripture:  John (NIV) 17:4 I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. …
23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

Observation:  In these passages, the One born in a stable and laid in a manger speaks of His pre-existence.  He speaks of the glory He had before the world began.  He speaks of the love the Father had for Him before the creation of the world.

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of no ordinary person!

Application: As I pause to celebrate Christmas, the most logical parts are the involvement of angels and the star that led the magi from the East.  What else would I expect; God was entering the stream of humanity?

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, continue to remind me that Jesus is so much more than the baby pictures we are shown every year.  Show me ways I can honor Jesus for who He really is!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 22, 2018: SOAP #3306:  John 12-14

Scripture:  John (NIV) 14:20 “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” … 23 … “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.”

Observation:  What an amazing relationship we see between the Father and Jesus!  In these verses, we are drawn into the heart of that relationship!  We prove our love by obeying Him even as Jesus loved and obeyed the Father.  The Father who so loved the world that He gave His son, loves us as an individual.  Jesus loves us and makes Himself known to us.  Both the Father and Jesus establish their permanent home of record with us.

Application:  It starts as I become aware of the close intimate relationship that God has made available to me.  But being aware of it is not the same as experiencing it.  So, I must begin making decisions and doing things that enhance that relationship.  Making choices that please Him, speaking up for Him, spending time in Bible reading and prayer during which I can get to know him, considering how He feels, being concerned about His concerns.  It starts small but grows into a life passion.  The joy of the relationship grows as the relationship grows.  A deep satisfaction and peace settle into the lives of those who continue growing in relationship with God.  They begin to see the big picture of God’s plan.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, growing in my relationship, I find you are ever new.  You never grow old!  There are always new things to discover about you.  You are amazing!    Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!