April 26, 2020: SOAP #3797:  2Samuel 1; Psalm 140; Matthew 13

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 13:1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered round him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed.

Observation:  Jesus ministered at non-traditional places (by the lake), to those choosing to stop their plans and listen (the crowds), using what was available (a boat), telling stories that were very real to life (a farmer and his seed) and applicable to spiritual life (seed is the message of the kingdom and field is the hearts of people -vs. 18-23).

Application:   Today, the people known as the church have been forced out of their buildings known as churches to gather around computer/TV screens to join in worship and hear the sermons their pastors have prayerfully prepared.

The persecution mentioned in the book of Acts (8:1-4) forced the believers out of Jerusalem and as they scattered, infected with the gospel and the Spirit of God, they “went everywhere preaching the word.”

From Reuters news 4/25/2020  “The first death linked to the disease was reported on Jan. 10 in Wuhan, China.  It took 91 days for the death toll to pass 100,000 and a further 16 days to reach 200,000, according to the Reuters tally of official reports from governments.”

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, surely you are more powerful than COVID-19 which has encircled the earth in less than 6 months.  May these be the days of a world-wide revival.  Anoint the church.  May the revival encircle the earth,  reaching every home.  May I be so “infected” with the gospel that everyone I meet catches what I have! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

April 2, 2020: SOAP #3796:  1Samuel 30,31; 1Chronicles 10; Matthew 12

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 12:1 At that time Jesus went through the cornfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some ears of corn and eat them. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” 3 He answered…

Observation:  When they were just fishermen, probably nobody cared that they picked corn on a Sabbath day.  If someone did notice and was bothered enough to make a comment, it would probably be countered with, “Oh, they are just fishermen!”

But they are now known as followers of Jesus!  The complainers were not trying to make them look bad, they were using them to make Jesus look bad.

But in Jesus, they had the expert defense attorney!  Jesus had even defended a woman that was caught in the act of adultery!

Application:   Being known as a Christian causes my life to be on a pedestal.  There are people who enjoy finding something I have done wrong.  At times it gives them a defense for their own deeds.  For sure the devil likes to find something Leon is doing so he can point it out to God.  “Did you just see what Your child did?  I heard Leon say that you were living in him!”

Knowing that the devil likes to accuse me before God, makes me want to be quick to repent.  When the devil brings it up to God, I want God to be able to say, “Leon was just here.  I have already forgotten what was discussed, but if you check his heart again, you will find a fresh application of the blood of Jesus.”

Prayer:   Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness to forgive me when I repent.  Your graciousness is undeserved by me, but so appreciated!  May my thankfulness be easily seen by others.  And may people who watch me, discover that pleasing you is my greatest goal. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!