April 27, 2019: SOAP #3432:  2Samuel 2; 1Chronicles 11; Psalm 142; Matthew 14

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 142:6 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. 7 Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.

Observation:   David knows where to go for help.  At a time when he had no place to go, he knew where to go.  He knew he was not crying for help because he was deserving, but because God was merciful.

David gave God a reason why God should rescue him.  David would praise God and give Him the glory.  And he would not just do it quietly—no!  Others would gather about David to hear how God was good to David!

Application:  Do I give God a good reason to help me?  When he delivers me, do I just go back and do the same thing that caused my problem in the first place?  When He heals me, do I just go back to living in a manner that originally brought about the sickness?  When He meets a financial need, do I continue to waste money on lottery tickets?

I get helped/healed.  But what does God get out of it?  He should get the reward of having me speak His praise.  He should get me living in a way that shows I appreciate what He has done.  He should get the glory from others who hear my testimony!   People should hear me singing, “Look what the Lord has done!”

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I know you love me and have helped me through many times of crisis.  I set my heart to live by your principles so that I will not experience the same crisis day after day, week after week, month after month, and year after year.  Your desire is for me to mature as your child.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!