March 30, 2020: SOAP #3770:  Judges 8; Psalm 42; 1Corinthians 15

Scripture:  1Corinthians (NIV) 15:54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Observation:  When I swallow something, it is no longer seen.  It is gone from sight.  It gets digested and becomes strength for my body.  When death is swallowed up in victory, what remains to be seen is the victory.  The struggle of the sporting contest is forgotten in the victory.

What makes death something to be feared is sin.  If sin is carried into death’s door, it is a key that opens the door to hell.  But when sin has been removed by the blood of the Crucified Son of God, the stinger is gone!  The One living inside has the key to Heaven.  He opens the door and walks with us through death’s door into the glorious throne room of heaven!

Application:  The choice is clear, which door will I pass through when I come to death’s door.  There are two things that are the same beyond both doors.  They both lead to an existence for eternity!   And both doors open to a life of memory of earthly life.   The memories in hell will be ones of eternal regret.  The memories in heaven will be thankful memories of the grace of God to forgive me and save me from judgment.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, out of your great love for me, you sent Jesus, your Son, to save me from the deserved judgment for my sin.  I repent and humbly beg your forgiveness.  With confidence in your Word, I thank you for your forgiveness.  Help me live my life in thanksgiving for your salvation, for your grace and mercy.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

March 29, 2020: SOAP #3769:  Judges 6-7; Psalm 52; 1Corinthians 14

Scripture:  Judges (NIV) 6:14 The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” 15 “But Lord,” Gideon asked, “how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” 16 The LORD answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together.”

Observation:   It was a big assignment: “to save Israel out of Midian’s hand.”  It was a huge assignment for someone who had no standing, no potential in themselves, no following, and no resources.  But God was requiring from Gideon what He requires from everyone.  “Go in the strength you have…”   Gideon had to use the strength he had.  Could Gideon blow a trumpet?  Yes.  Could Gideon hold a lamp and pitcher in his hands?  Yes.  Gideon could do the little things God required.

Application:  I have what God requires.  I can do what God gives me to do.  My part in the ministry is something I can do.  Everything I cannot do is God’s part. God’s hand is moved by my faith.  Doing what I can do demonstrates my faith that God has spoken to me and He will do what I cannot do.  The investment of my time and resources is my faith being put into action.  This is not me trying to get God to do what I want Him to do, or what I think He should do. My faith must rest upon HIS Word, HIS plan, HIS directions to me.  The resources I do not have, He will provide.  When the assignment is complete, God graciously lets me enjoy the accomplishment.  I make sure He gets the glory!

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, what a privilege to partner with You in accomplishing Your will.  Doing Your will, I use the strength I have and You make up the difference.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!