March 14, 2020: SOAP #3754:  Deuteronomy 25-27; Galatians 5

Scripture:  Galatians (NIV) 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. …
13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

Observation:  Freedom—what an important word!  Freedom—what a desirable state!   Freedom—what a costly privilege!   Freedom is so very important to people. But man’s freedom is even more important to God.

Application:   Being loved and served by those who have no freedom to resist, that would not be a testimony to God’s greatness.  But when those who are free come to experience God’s great love, and begin to see God’s unique worthiness—when those begin to love and serve him—when the free ones choose death over denying their relationship with such a loving God—that demonstrates that they consider Him worthy of their devotion.

In a perfect environment Satan chose to rebel against God.  Now in this sinful environment God is gathering a body of believers (the church) who become fully convinced that God is worthy and use their freedom to honor God and put Satan to shame!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for freedom!  Thank you for the freedom to choose you over the world.  Forgive me for the times I have taken that freedom so lightly.  May the choices I have freedom to make every day, in little and big things, bring you honor.  May they demonstrate my love for you.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

March 13, 2020: SOAP #3753:  Deuteronomy 22-24; Galatians 4

Scripture:  Galatians (NIV) 4:13 As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. 14 Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.

Observation:  Paul had first stopped at Galatia due to illness.  Either the sickness caused him to stop where he had not planned or caused him to extend his stay instead of moving on as he had planned. The people of Galatia did not treat Paul as though he was untouchable due to his sickness but went out of their way to minister to him.  Paul refers to it as a trial that THEY endured. Paul was not afraid to identify his problem as “my illness.” It was not considered a “negative confession.”  The Galatians did not reject Paul or belittle his faith because of this sickness. Both Paul and the Galatians used this “illness” for the glory of God.  Paul did so by taking the opportunities afforded him to preach the gospel.  The Galatians did so by accepting the gospel!

Application:   Today, it seems the whole world is being affected by the coronavirus or COVID-19.   Although not personally infected with the virus, my life has personally felt limitations.  Late this afternoon, we discovered that the store where we commonly shop was out of toilet paper.  Then later this evening the news media reported that the basketball tournament to which I was to drive a bus tomorrow has been stopped.  Tomorrow, I will check on the trip we have planned for next week,

Limitations, unplanned interruptions, changes in schedules may provide unexpected opportunities to share the love of Jesus.  I must not waste my time complaining but looking for divine opportunities.

Prayer:  I call you Lord because I trust you to direct my life.  In the unexpected changes that come my way in the days and weeks ahead, be glorified.  May the name of Jesus be exalted!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!