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!

December 21, 2018: SOAP #3305:  John 9-11

Scripture:  John (NIV) 10:1 “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”

Observation:  In this passage, Jesus said several important things about shepherds.  About the sheep, He says only two things; they follow, and they hear His voice.  Hearing His voice is mentioned three times.  The sheep listen to the shepherd’s voice, they become familiar with his voice, and they can distinguish it from a stranger’s voice.

Application:  There are many steps in our relationship as we grow in our spiritual life.  We are sheep, children, servants, sons, fathers.  Each represents a different level of relationship.  Many levels require growing through a preceding level.  Whatever level I have attained, I never loose the importance of that first level.  I MUST listen to His voice!  I MUST recognize His voice!  I MUST be able to distinguish His voice from a stranger’s voice!

Note:  Listening is also a priority in a budding romantic relationship that leads to marriage.

Prayer:  Lord, You are my shepherd.  Keep speaking.  Keep calling my name.  May I grow in recognizing your voice and distinguishing it from all other voices.    Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 20, 2018: SOAP #3304:  John 7-8

Scripture:  John (NIV) 7:18 He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

Observation:  Jesus was speaking about Himself as He had been sent by His Father in heaven.  He was present on earth to make the Father known.  He was present on earth to do the Father’s will.

However, this truth can be seen in many relationships.  A person speaking on his own authority is trying to prove that he has a good grasp of the issue.  He wants others to see his valuable opinion.  He wants others to see his wisdom.  He wants to win others to his side.  It is to his glory to have others change to his point of view.

But when a person has been sent by God and represents His love and holiness, he will do so in love and holiness.  He will not use lies to speak of God’s holiness.  He will not use hate to reveal God’s love.  He will be a person known for truth.

Application:  As I represent the Holy God where I live and work, I can only properly do so by allowing His character to shine through my words and actions.  Of course, in myself I fall far short of such a high standard.  Which is no surprise to God!  That is why He sent His Holy Spirit to live in me.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, how I need you to help me properly represent the One who has sent me to those around me.  And knowing that you anointed Jesus for His ministry here on earth, you are the perfect one to live in me and help me to be like Jesus!   Help me work for the honor of the one who has sent me.  Holy Spirit, I am counting on you!  Do what you do in me!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 19, 2018: SOAP #3303:  John 5-6

Scripture:  John (NIV) 6:63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.

Observation:  Much of Jesus teaching was about His Father.  And much of Jesus teaching was about the Holy Spirit.  Jesus was sent from the Father.   And when He left, He and the Father sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in believers and through them to continue the ministry of Jesus!

The Father sent Jesus to live as a sinless man totally dependent on the Holy Spirit to fulfill His assigned ministry. While Jesus was living as a sinless man on earth, it was the Holy Spirit who was the life of God within Him.  The Holy Spirit was the source of the words spoken by Jesus.

Jesus told us, “As the Father has sent me, so send I you.”  Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin.  Being forgiven and justified, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us as He did within Jesus.  Jesus was sent to rely on the Holy Spirit, so if I have been sent in the same way, I too must rely on the Holy Spirit.

Application: When I confess my sins and ask Jesus to forgive me on the basis of His death on the cross, the same Holy Spirit that came upon/within Jesus comes to take up residence in me!!!   My life’s goal is to allow the Holy Spirit to flow through me as He did through Jesus!

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, You and Jesus, what a team in honoring the Father.  Keep working on me to become your partner in ministry. Take the lead in my life.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 18, 2018: SOAP #3302:  John 2-4

Scripture:  John (NIV) 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

Observation:  The motive: love!  Whose love?  God, the creator’s love!  How much love?  Enough to send His Son to save the world!   What is required of us?  Simply believing!  So, what happens to those who do not believe?  They stand condemned!   Which is so logical.  If verses 16 and 17 are true, then verse 18 is the logical conclusion!  What else could one expect if the love gift of God is rejected?  It all makes perfect sense!

Application:  So, what is the logical response to such love?  To love Him in return.  To express my love for Him and appreciation for what He has done by my words and deeds.  When my heart is full of love for Him it will be seen in my words and actions.  When people discover my heart of love for Jesus, they should understand why I speak as I do and act as I act.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, out of love, you sent your son to die in my place as payment for my sins.  Out of a heart of love and appreciation, I want my words and actions to express my love for you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 17, 2018: SOAP #3301:  2Peter 1-3; John 1

Scripture:  John (NIV) 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men.

Observation:  Matthew introduces Jesus to the world through a genealogy and the visit of an angel to Joseph explaining the pregnancy of the lady promised to be his wife.  Matthew gives the visit of the Magi.  Mark skips over His birth and introduces Jesus at His baptism by John the Baptist.  Luke records the birth of John the Baptist leading into the birth of Jesus.  Luke gives the visit of the shepherds.

John introduces Jesus from before His birth—even before the conception—even before creation!   He is the Word of God that was with God and was God.  He is the creator of all things.

Application:  The birth of Jesus was a miraculous event that should be celebrated.  But how would I feel if every year my parents and friends only brought out my baby pictures to celebrate my birthday?  It would not take too many years before I would start complaining.  Being born was just the start of my life.  There is a lot more to my life than my birth.  And there is a lot more to Jesus’ life than just His birth.  As we celebrate His birth, let’s introduce Jesus as the Creator and the living Word whose life was the Light of men!   Let’s introduce Him as the Only One worthy of our total devotion!   Let’s celebrate His love for us!

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, during this Christmas season, help me to properly introduce Jesus to those around me —the resurrected Victor over death, the King of kings and Lord of lords! —the One who loved us enough to die for us —the One who is willing and able to save us from hell.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 16, 2018: SOAP #3300:  1Peter 1-5

Scripture:  1Peter 5:1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow-elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Observation:  Peter, a recognized church leader is writing to other leaders.  He tells them not to serve because it is a requirement, but willingly because they want to do so.  They should not be a leader because of the money they can get, but because they are looking for an opportunity serve.   They are not cowboys on horseback with prods driving a herd of cattle, but shepherds with a shepherd’s staff leading a flock of sheep.  The sheep follow their shepherd.

Application: It is not how much money I can make, it is how much opportunity I will have to serve.  It is not how many people will support me but how many people can I support as they grow in Jesus.   It is not title or position.  This is for everyone who has a place of influence in another life. Yes, it is directed toward those involved in church leadership, but it also would include parents and older family members, school teachers, coaches, neighbors, anyone who has been a Christian for a month helping someone who is just starting, etc.

The reward does not come from the sheep, but from the ‘Chief Shepherd!’  And His reward is worth more than money.  A million years into eternity and it will still shine just as bright!

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, help me be a profitable servant.  Keep my motives pure.  Use me for your glory.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 15, 2018: SOAP #3299:  James 1-5

Scripture:  James (NIV) 5:7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

Observation:  The farmer is patient because he is waiting for a crop that he can harvest.  What he is expecting to harvest forces him to be patient for the autumn and spring rains.

James is encouraging his readers to keep true and stay ready.  Why?  Because there is something coming that will show the value of their patience—Jesus is coming!

Application:  Knowing what lies ahead can be a great help in being patient.  Having something worthwhile to anticipate can help me be patient in the tough times I am facing now.   Jesus has gone to prepare a place for me and He will return to take me to be with Him!   Wow!   That is something to greatly anticipate!!!  Pondering that gives patience and courage to face today!

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, if looking ahead to joining you in heaven brings such joy to my heart, what must it do to your heart!!!   You have invested so much to bring your church to heaven.  Now that the time is so close, you must be so excited to know that soon we will all be together!!!  Holy Spirit, help me to finish victorious and to enter His gates with much rejoicing!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 14, 2018: SOAP #3298:  Hebrews 12-13; Jude

Scripture:  Hebrews (NIV) 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Observation:  The description of this race lets me know it is not a short 100-yard dash.  It is not something I can finish in 15-20 seconds.  This is a long race, for the rest of my life.

It is a race that is so important that I need to rid myself of anything that would distract or hinder me from finishing.  It is not running aimlessly.  It is a course that has been marked for me to run.  It is not a race of those who run the fastest.  It is a race of perseverance.  It is a race of endurance.  Will I still be running at the finish line?

Application: The prize is not to those who start, but to those who finish the race.  Eternal life will not be to those who once said the sinner’s prayer, but to those who have maintained that relationship.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, what a privilege it is for me to have you running this race with me.  Keep reminding me of what there is to gain.  Use the scriptures to build my endurance.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 13, 2018: SOAP #3297:  Philemon; Hebrews 9-11

Scripture:  Hebrews (NIV) 9:9 This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshipper. …
14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

Observation:  What a disappointment—to offer all the required sacrifices, give special offerings, keep all the holy days, yet still have a guilty conscience!

What a great blessing—to simply trust that Jesus’ sacrifice was so pure and holy that it covered my every sin and perfectly completed the required payment for my sin AND I end up with a clear conscience!

Application: By faith, I believe that God will consider Jesus’ death on the cross as payment for my sins.  Believing that He will do so, I ask Jesus to forgive my sins and invite Him to take up permanent residence in my heart/life.  His Presence assures me that He has forgiven me and establishes a clear conscience.  His forgiveness is so through that He treats me as though I had never sinned!!!  With all sinned removed, there is no basis for a guilty conscience!   I am so blessed!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for a clear conscience!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!