April 01, 2019: SOAP #3467:  Proverbs 19-21; Romans 13

Scripture:  Romans (NIV) 13:14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Observation:   The general concept of the Bible, as I read it, is that I have a mind, not that I am a mind. The Bible holds me responsible for my thoughts. The Bible tells me how to use my mind. My thoughts are not to control me, but I am to control my thoughts. I am not being told “not to think,” but “not to think about” what would please the sinful nature. The only way I can “not think about” something is to actively think about something else. I should actively think about clothing myself with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Some religions teach that meditation is emptying the mind of all thoughts. That leaves the mind open and unprotected from thoughts that the evil one would insert. The Bible teaches that I am to meditate on God and His Word. I fill my mind with Him. Philippians 4:8 tell me “whatsoever things are nobel … think on these things.” As my mind is meditating on Him and His Word, I am being trained to recognize Him and what He would say to me. In that setting He often inserts thoughts that give strength, encouragement, direction and more.

Application:   People who understand the importance of training the mind may do everything possible to get me to agree with them.  But the reality a mind pleasing to God comes down to me!   When I am not pleased with what is in my mind, I must think on something better.  Through reading the scriptures, through prayer, through worship, through interacting with others, I need to provide my mind so many good things to think about that it has no time to think about fleshly pleasures.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, your help is vital in winning the battle in my mind.  Help me honor you with my thoughts.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

May 31, 2019: SOAP #3466:  Proverbs 16-18; Romans 12

Scripture:  Proverbs (NIV) 16:2 All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.

Observation:  The One who knows the thoughts, knows the motives.  He cannot be fooled.  Others may misjudge, but not God.

A person may declare their innocence, but God knows the heart.  Others may declare their guilt, but God knows the heart.  It is to Him we will all answer.

To God, the motive is more important than the action and/or the results of the action.

Application:   There is comfort when I fail; God knows my heart; He understands what I was trying to accomplish.

There is frustration when I sin; God knows my heart; and I know that I cannot hide it.

There is forgiveness and peace when I repent; God knows my heart; He is working in me; He is giving me new “want to-es” on the inside that will result in new “do-es” on the outside.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, you know the thoughts and purposes of my heart.  You know the motive behind every word and action.  Keep working on me until the motives of Jesus are established in me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!