September 01, 2020: SOAP #3925:  Ezekiel 15, 16; Psalm 70; Revelation 6

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

Observation:  Our entrance into heaven is set by our faith in the sacrifice of the sinless Jesus on the cross.  However, the rewards received in heaven will be determined by faithfulness to what God has assigned on earth.  The reward will not be on the size of the accomplishment, but on the faithfulness of the servant.     

A special place of honor is reserved for those who have given, and those who will give their lives.  They honored God with the full measure of their devotion, and God takes note and honors them.  The alter is a “killing place.”  The altar is the place of sacrifice.  The altar in heaven, and in the Tabernacle of Moses, and in Solomon’s Temple speaks to us of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God slain for our sins.  The location of the martyrs under the altar in heaven links their sacrifice to the sacrifice of Jesus.   

Application:   There is often sacrifice involved in serving Jesus.  But “it will be worth it all when we see Jesus!”  Rewards are passed out after the contest, after the victory.  The contest is still underway.  Victory is assured, but not yet complete.  Oh, but a day is coming!!!  Every sacrifice will be rewarded.       

Prayer:  “Keep me true, Lord Jesus, Keep me true.  Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true.  There’s a race that I must run.  There are victories to be won.  Give me power, every hour, to be true.” (Anonymous) Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

August 31, 2020: SOAP #3924:  Ezekiel 12-14; Revelation 5

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 5:11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.
12 In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”

Observation:  Ten thousand times ten thousand, that is 100 million angels!  And that is in addition to thousands upon thousands!  Some translations use the word myriads.  However one says it, it is a large number, a very large number, even bigger than that!!! 

We may not realize it fully, but when we were born again, we became a part of something big, far beyond what we can imagine!   This is BIG!  It is so big that it cannot be contained on this little planet. 

Application:  When the storm’s waves threaten to invade and sink my boat, I must remember that the one in the boat with me could have called 12 legions (80,000+) of angels to save him from arrest by the Roman soldiers. (Matthew 26:53)   Like Elisha’s servant, I need my eyes opened to see that what surrounds me is also surrounded by the angel armies of heaven! (2Kings 6:17)   

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, no matter how big my problem, there are more than enough angels in heaven to surround those who surround me.  But even better than that, I have Your Son, Jesus with me in my boat!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

August 30, 2020: SOAP #3923:  Ezekiel 8-11; Revelation 4

Scripture:  Ezekiel (NIV) 8:1 In the sixth year, in the sixth month on the fifth day, while I was sitting in my house and the elders of Judah were sitting before me, the hand of the Sovereign LORD came upon me there.

Observation:  When God interacts with man, He enters man’s reality.  He works in man’s environment.  He works on man’s calendar and in man’s time.  The reality of God speaking to Ezekiel was so strong and clear that it was time-stamped in Ezekiel’s memory. 

They were strong words from God, and some people might push them aside by telling Ezekiel, “You are just imagining them. You were just dreaming.”  But Ezekiel knew where He was, and the exact day.   

Application:  When God has clearly spoken to us, it is good to write down what God has said.  It may also be good to write down the date and some description of what was happening in our day or life at that time.   

There have been times when God has definitely spoken to me (Leon).  Remembering the circumstances helps me remember the message.  I remember kneeling at the platform in the Larned AG church. (1953)  I remember driving away from a stop sign in Wichita. (2010)  I remember Woodston Camp. (1964)  I remember an altar at the Kailua Church. (1972)  I remember the mountains south of the DMZ. (1969)  I remember the office of Bayview Chapel. (1989)  I remember…  Remembering where I was helps me remember what He said.      

Prayer:   Lord, Your words are precious, I do not want to forget them. Thank you for walking with me AND TALKING with me, not just in life changing moments, but every day!  That God talks to me, how special is that!!! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

August 29, 2020: SOAP #3922:  Ezekiel 4-7; Revelation 3

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 3: I know your deeds…
8 I know your deeds…
15 I know your deeds…

Observation:  The message to each church in chapters 2 and 3 has a similar format.  Yesterday the Lord brought to my attention “he who has an ear…”  Today my thoughts were pulled to “I know your deeds…” 

Throughout the Bible we see that we can not earn our salvation.  It comes to us only through grace.  However, that does not mean that our deeds/works are meaningless.  They will all pass through the fire of judgment.  Those consisting of hay, wood, and stubble will be burnt.  Those made of gold, silver, and precious stones will pass through the fire.  (1Corinthians 3:12-14)

In Revelation 1:14, John describes Jesus as having eyes like blazing fire.  Our deeds will pass under His scrutiny, under His x-ray vision.  To each church and to each one of us He can say, “I know your deeds!” 

Application:   This is only my opinion, but I think that my crown will be fashioned from what passes through the fire.  When I see Jesus, it will be obvious that He alone is worthy to wear a crown and I will lay my crown at the feet of Jesus.  My accomplishments will seem as nothing in comparison to His accomplishment!   

Prayer:   Lord Jesus, oh, to have a crown to lay at your feet. You alone are worthy of glory and honor, of praise and worship.  What a privilege to be a member of your church.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

August 28, 2020: SOAP #3921:  Ezekiel 1-3; Revelation 2

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches…
11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches…
17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches…
29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Observation:  Yesterday as I got out of our car to go into a store, I picked up the face mask we are required to wear.  And as I was putting it on, I thought, “It is a good thing that God gave me two ears; it would be hard to wear this mask with only one ear!”   Ears are such an important part in God’s creation of man. 

Our Creator is a speaker!  Pages and pages of the scriptures are quotes of God as He spoke to the prophets.  They had ears; they heard Him!  Jesus, the Son of God, is known as the “Word.”  He spoke to the disciples.  They had ears; they heard Him! 

Application:   There are many voices in the world.  I can choose to which ones I listen.  I need to choose wisely.  Sometimes I need to shut out the noise of the world to be able to hear, to focus on what God is saying to my spirit.  Having times of worship, spending time with other believers, meditating on the scriptures are all ways to tune my hearing to what God is saying.     

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I like to sing, “Tune my heart to the voice of your spirit.  So, I may hear all you whisper to me.  Shut out the world and its bright temptations.  Focus my eyes (and ears) fully on you. (Unknown) Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

August 27, 2020: SOAP #3920:  Jeremiah 52; Revelation 1; Psalm 143-144

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 1:4 John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

Observation:   The apostle John is writing to the seven churches in the province of Asia.  His greeting to them is “grace and peace” from the eternal God, from the seven Spirits before the throne, and from God the Son, Jesus Christ.  Jesus is identified by His character (faithful), by His accomplishment (the resurrection), and His authority (the King over all kings). 

Not only because of who He is, but especially because of what He has done for us, to Jesus belongs “glory and power for ever and ever!!!”  All creation owes Him glory, but especially those who have been loved by Jesus, freed from their sins, and set into a place of honor to serve the Father God!

Application:   Obviously, Jesus is the center of God’s man-plan.  Jesus is the faithful witness of the holiness and love of God.  He forever has the high place in heaven for what He accomplished.  Every redeemed man and woman is a testimony to what Jesus accomplished. 

How proper for Jesus to be the center of my life.  How proper for Him to receive glory and power every day in and from my life!!!      

Prayer:   Lord, to you be the glory and power for ever and ever!  You are the center of God’s man-plan for Leon.  You are worthy of my dedication.  You are worthy of my worship. Amen 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

August 26, 2020: SOAP #3919:  Jeremiah 50-51; 3John

Scripture:  3John (NIV) 1:5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.

Observation:   It would not surprise me to find that the early church did not have a large group of seasoned leaders and pastors.  And so, it would not surprise me that they relied on traveling ministers.  In the above verses we read about traveling ministers being lovingly welcomed into the fellowship of believers.  John encourages them to send them on to their next ministry location “in a manner worthy of God.”  In so doing, they would be working together for the kingdom of God. 

Application:   Hospitality is a very important ministry.  Using our homes and resources to help those ministering to the body of Christ.  We may not have a place of leadership in the body of Christ, but by being hospitable, we share in that ministry.  We can enable others to their ministries.  Remember, just a “cup of cold water” earns a “reward!”  (Matthew 10:42)   

Prayer:   Lord Jesus, indeed you are my Lord.  All I have is really yours.  Help me carefully use what you intend for my use.  Help me easily release what you helped me gather for use elsewhere.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

August 25, 2020: SOAP #3918:  Jeremiah 37-39; Psalm 79; 2John

Scripture:  2John (NIV) 3 Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.

Observation:   The grace, mercy and peace that comes to us from God is always wrapped in truth and love.  Truth is an expression of holiness.  He who is perfectly holy always deals with truth.  Truth is God’s reality. 

Grace is God giving us what we do not deserve.  Mercy is God not giving us what we deserved.  Peace is God establishing a right relationship with us. 

Grace, mercy, and peace all come to me with full acknowledgement of my sin.  Truth acknowledges my sin.  And truth acknowledges God’s holiness.  But truth also acknowledges God’s love and His holy sacrifice made for my sin! 

Application:   Grace, mercy, and peace have come to Leon from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son.  And they are wrapped in truth and love!   It does not bring a stain on the Father’s holiness to draw Leon close to Him.  It glorifies His holiness and His great love.  In the wisdom of God, Jesus’ sacrifice so perfectly provided what I needed that I have been justified, made “just as if I’d” never sinned!  (1Corinthians 6:11)      

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, oh the grace, mercy and peace provided for me through the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus!  May my life be a true expression of my deep appreciation. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

August 24, 2020: SOAP #3917:  Jeremiah 33-34; Psalm 74; 1John 5

Scripture:  1John (NIV) 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

Observation:  Many people like to start their prayers by claiming that God will provide whatever they need or want.  They start with the promise at the end of verse 15: “we know that we have what we asked of him.” 

But the first part of verse 15 shows that knowing that he “hears” “whatever we ask” comes before getting the prayers answered.  If I do not have confidence that He hears me, I have no claim that He will answer my prayer.  So, how can I know that He hears me?  For that I need to go back to the last part of verse 14. 

Having the confidence that God hears my prayer AND answers them starts with asking “according to his will.” 

According to verse 14, the better I know God and understand His will, the better I will be able to pray.  Prayer is not a way to get God to accomplish my will.  It is a way for me to be a part of His will.  In prayer, God is allowing me to participate in His plan. 

Application:   This promise is not for just any quick prayer made without thinking.  This promise requires some thoughtful application on my part.  First: I must know the character of God.  He is holy and loving.  He is wise.  Second:  I must search the scriptures to see if God has revealed His will about the subject of my prayer.  Has anyone in the Bible dealt with this issue.  Third:  I need to remember what the Holy Spirit has said to me in the past.  I need to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s will to me.     

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to have a small part in accomplishing you will on earth.  May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

August 23, 2020: SOAP #3916:  Jeremiah 31-32; 1John 4

Scripture:  1John (NIV) 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world….
6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood….
13 We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit….
16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

Observation:   We know that we have a relationship with God because we interact with God through His Spirit.  The problem is that there are many spirits not from God who are moving around our world.  We must learn to recognize the Spirit of God from the spirit of antichrist. 

Application:  How can I know to whom to listen?  First: I must acknowledge that Jesus came in the flesh; He is different than all other humans born on this earth.  His is God!   Second:  John said that those who know God, listens to him and those with him—those who wrote the scriptures.  The better I know God’s written Word, the better I will be able to recognize God’s spoken word!   Third: knowing that God has given me His Spirit, I expect Him to speak to me.  I must pay attention.  I prepare myself to hear His voice.  I become familiar with how He speaks.   Fourth:  God always works in love.  God is holy and God is loving.  Fifth: God’s word is confirmed through others to whom and through whom He speaks. 

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that it is your nature to reveal yourself.  You speak.  Your Son, Jesus, speaks.  The Holy Spirit speaks.   It is for me to listen.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!