July 23, 2020: SOAP #3885:  2Kings 20; Isaiah 38-39; Psalm 75; 1Peter 2

Scripture:  1Peter (NIV) 2:11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

Observation: As in yesterday’s SOAP from the previous chapter, Peter uses words that emphasize that this world is not our home.  This world is not our final destination.  Our journey will not end here.  We are just passing through. 

Application:   Having recently completed a trip of 4,500+ miles through 10 states, we have some experience on being strangers and sojourners.  When traveling, we would stop early enough so that I could prepare the SOAP devotion.  When visiting friends, I would find a place in their home where I could set up my laptop.  When traveling, one needs to be careful not to set aside priorities. 

We could not take everything from our house, only that which would fit into our car.  When traveling, one needs to consider how much effort is required for accompanying possessions. 

We could not buy everything we saw along the trip.  We needed to budget our money to make it home.  When traveling, one needs to make sure they can make it home. 

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, I need your help as I live as an alien in this world.  Keep me aware of my temporary status.  Help me to say “no” to that which hinders my journey.  Help me not to miss opportunities to use my possessions to help others on their journey.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!