February 14, 2020: SOAP #3725:  Leviticus 23-24; Psalm 24; Acts 21

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 21:27 When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, 28 shouting, “Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple area and defiled this holy place.” 29 (They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple area.)

Observation:  Paul had longed to preach in Rome, but he never dreamed that his transportation to Rome would be provided by the Roman government with a military escort!  Nor that the journey would start with lies from people assuming something that did not happen.  (verse 29 above)

Application:  As I considered the above, I could not help but consider all the people against President Trump.    I pray for God to give him strength and hard-headedness to not let the all the attacks reach his heart.  He has stood for Jerusalem and God is standing for him.  I see that God is using the attacks to turn people to support him.

God has done the same in my life several times.  God used what people did against me to propel me toward what He wanted me to do.  He has done that in the past; I am sure He will do it in the future!   I even know of God using a bout of sickness to propel people into the courts of heaven!!!   I know murders and terrorists have propelled some of God’s chosen servants into His Presence.  Surely there will be centuries in heaven when we just go around listening to stories of how people got into heaven.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, many times you have proved that all things do work together for good to those who love you and are called according to your purpose.  Like you did for Joseph, you still take what people mean for evil and use it for the good of your people and for your glory!  Keep our President strong, I pray.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!