April 16, 2020: SOAP #3787:  1Samuel 19; 1Chronicles 7; Psalm 59; Matthew 4

Scripture:  Genesis 47:13-26   As the Lord brought this to my mind, it was so strong that I replaced the reading plan I have used for over 10 years to insert this SOAP.

Observation:  A friend just sent me a cartoon of two people standing in front of a totally empty bookshelf. One person was saying, and here are the books on successful government programs. After a low-grade laugh, the Lord took my thoughts to the very first governmental bail-out program.  (Read the verses above.)  The bail-out program was in response to a God given dream.  But fourteen years after the dream, the government owned all the land, all the livestock, and all the citizens (except for the priest who were supported by the government.)  Citizens were moved to the cities.  Those allowed to farm were required to give 20% to the government.   The government became so oppressive that their whole work-force cried out to their God who sent Moses to lead them out of Egypt.  Talk about a mass work-walk-out!!

Application:  Instead of the government being the servant of the people and using its authority to better and improve the lot of their citizens, the government used its authority to dominate and control its citizens.

The famine set up the changes in Egypt.  COVID-19 may be setting up changes for the USA.  The more the government gives me, the more they can take from me.  God is the only one I can trust to whom I can totally surrender.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Your care for me does not depend on how the government responds to COVID-19.  Your protection and provision does not depend on the economy.  Help me to keep my faith in you and not in the government!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!