October 01, 2020: SOAP #3955:  Zechariah 10-12; Psalm 126; Luke 14

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 126:4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negev. 5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. 6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.

Observation:  How encouraging it is to read about a person singing songs of joy and carrying all the sheaves.  We rejoice with him.  We would like to be like him. 

Praise the Lord!  The Lord be glorified!  We can be like him!   We too can sing songs of joy and carry sheaves. But we must start where he started!   We must start by doing some prayerful sowing.  We must sow in faith that a harvest will come.  It may be a sacrifice to set aside seed for sowing.  It may seem more necessary to eat the seed!  But once the seed is eaten, it has no power to reproduce!!!  It has no power to affect the future.  This man was not carrying “seed to eat,” but “seed to sow!”   He went out carrying “seed to sow.”  He returned “carrying sheaves!” 

Application:  We all have opportunity to put the law of sowing and reaping to test.  Remember, seed does not have to be very large.  It always multiplies to more than it started.  And with the increase, we can sow more seed and reap even a greater harvest.  Some feel their seed is so small, that it is not worth it to sow, but that is a mistake.  God can take prayerfully sown seed and multiply it far beyond what one would expect!!! 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, by your Spirit, speak these words to the hearts of those who read this SOAP today.  Show them the seed now in their possession that can be sown.  Assure them that it is not too small to give.  Bless their seed to place it is given.  Multiply their sowing back into their life.  I pray in Jesus Name, Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 30, 2020: SOAP #3954:  Zechariah 7-9; Luke 13    

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 13:14 Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue ruler said to the people, “There are six days for work. So, come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.” 15 The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? 16 Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”

Luke 12:6  …five sparrows… 7 …you are worth more than many sparrows.
Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens: …much more valuable you are than birds!
Luke 12:27 “Consider how the lilies grow. …28 …how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!

Observation:  Yesterday in Luke 12 we read that people are more valuable than sparrows (verses 6-7) and ravens (verse 24).   God is more inclined to take care of us than He is to care for the lilies and the grass that grows in the field.  Today, in Luke 13 we see that God values man above oxen and donkeys.    

Application:  But there is no greater expression of God’s value of man than can be seen at Calvary!  Is man important?  Just look at the cross!  Yes, consider the ravens…yes, consider the lilies…but most of all, CONSIDER THE CROSS! 

God is so holy, that sin can only be atoned for by sinless blood.  God is so loving that He gave His Son to be that sacrifice.  God thinks that you are worth dying for.  God thinks that you are a good investment.  God has a special place for you in heaven!          

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you gave your only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) Thank you for loving me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 29, 2020: SOAP #3953:  Zechariah 4-6; Luke 12    

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Matthew (NIV) 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Observation:  The value of sparrows is exceedingly small—even half a penny!  They are of such little value that if one buys four, a fifth one will be added for nothing.  Yet even the one that brought no price is noticed by God.   “Not one of them (not even the fifth one) is forgotten by God.” 

The emphasis of these verses is on the value God has placed on man!  It is without question that people are worth more than sparrows.     

Application: This past Sunday, Pastor Steven Bishop preached a powerful message about ending life in the womb.  If we understand the development of the life in the womb, we are sinning when we do not speak against this sin.  Killing the life in the womb is illogical.  It is a sin against that which carries the image of God.  It is a sin against the life that God places within man.  It is a sin against the value that God has placed on man.  We would not allow people to treat animals as the doctor treats the baby in the womb.         

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, the Bible teaches me what to do with sin.  I acknowledge it as sin.  I confess my part in the sin.  I accept the death of Jesus as payment for my sin.  I thank Him for His forgiveness, invite Him to live in me, and make Him the Lord of my life. This I do.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 28, 2020: SOAP #3952:  Zechariah 1-3; Luke 11     

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 11:11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Observation:  Why is our Heavenly Father so willing to give the Holy Spirit to us? 

Before Jesus began His ministry as the Son of Man He was baptized by John the Baptist and the Holy Spirit descended on Him.  The sinless Son of Man completed His ministry on earth full of the Holy Spirit.  The gifts of the Holy Spirit were active in Jesus. 

If it was important for Jesus to be filled and anointed with the Holy Spirit, how much more is it important for redeemed people who have a history of sin, be filled with the Holy Spirit. 

The presence, baptism, and anointing of the Holy Spirit is the greatest proof that our Heavenly Father is committed to seeing us live victoriously in this world.  That is why!     

Application:  I need to be committed to developing a relationship with the Holy Spirit so that I can live in joyful victory and be powerful in service.  The Holy Spirit increases the effectiveness of everything I do for the Lord! The Holy Spirit inspired people to write the scriptures and He inspires me as I read the scriptures!       

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, how wise of you to send the Holy Spirit to live in my life when I accepted Jesus as my Savior and Lord.  You are obviously committed to my living in victory over sin and the devil!  You have given me the same Holy Spirit that lived in Jesus!  I am so blessed!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 27, 2020: SOAP #3951:  Haggai 1-2; Psalm 129; Luke 10   

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 10:17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” … 21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

Observation:  Here is a descriptive phrase that is not necessary for the narrative but gives us insight into the life of Jesus.  He was “full of joy through the Holy Spirit.”  

The Holy Spirit was active in the conception and birth of Jesus (Luke 1:35; 2:25-27).  He was also active in the pre-ministry baptism and temptation (Luke 3:22; 4:1).  Then He was acknowledged by Jesus in the synagogue when Jesus claimed Isaiah was writing about Him (Luke 4:18-21). 

Here in chapter 10 Luke gives us the Holy Spirit as a source of joy in Jesus life.  Jesus is not described as having joy but being “full of joy!” 

Application:  If my goal is to be like Jesus, then the Holy Spirit must be an important part of my life.  Since Jesus life here on earth is to be my example, then I too should be “full of joy through the Holy Spirit!”   

If the joy in my heart arises from the presence of the Holy Spirit, then it should be obvious to others.  It should be a joy that cannot be hidden, a joy that cannot be contained, a joy that spills out all over.   May I be a carrier, and spreader, of great joy!   

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, keep me full of your presence and full of your joy.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 26, 2020: SOAP #3950:  Ezra 4; Psalm 113, 127; Luke 9    

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 9:1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.  …
6 So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.… 10 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done.

Observation:    As the Lord has recently been emphasizing the ministry of the Holy Spirit through Jesus as recorded by Luke, I believe I am to build on what was in SOAP #2594. 

Not all the ministry in the gospels was done by Jesus.  Jesus sent THEM to preach, THEM to heal the sick, THEY departed, THEY went through the towns, THEY preached, THEY healed, THEY returned, THEY reported back.  THEY did what they had seen Jesus doing.     

Application:   Jesus was preparing the disciples for the time He would no longer be with them.  Later in the book of Acts, the church continued the ministry of Jesus.  As Jesus ministered in the power of the Holy Spirit, so the early church ministered in that same Spirit.   

The world today is desperate for the church to move in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Healings for sick bodies, miracles for food supply, words of knowledge and wisdom to give understanding and direction, tongues and interpretation assuring of God’s presence and His awareness of personal circumstances, and prophecy to build faith that He is ultimately in control.      

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, the world needs you working through God’s people.  My neighbors need you working through me.  Use me as an open channel through which you can continue the ministry of Jesus today.  Flow through me today in little ways. Flow through me, Holy Spirit, flow through me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 25, 2020: SOAP #3949:  Ezra 2-3; Luke 8    

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 8:1 After this, Jesus travelled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him,

Observation:  As I was reading this chapter, the Holy Spirit drew my attention to the last phrase in the first verse (above).  “The Twelve were with him…”   Being “with Him” in verse 9, I see that they were able to ask Him questions about His parables.  Then one day (verse 22), Jesus said, “Let’s go to the other side of the lake.”  Being “with Him” they saw Him still a storm (verse 24) and cast demons out of a man (verse 29). 

It is amazing what they learned when they were “with him!” 

Application:  As I was considering the above, I heard Jesus say, “People are often more interested in me being with them then they are in them being with me! They want me to participate in what they are doing rather than participating in what I am doing.” 

Maybe I should change the word to: “And I walk with Him, and I talk with Him.  And I tell Him He is my Lord.  And the things I learn as I walk with Him, by reading from His Word”        

Prayer:  Lord, the more I know you, the more reasonable it is for me to fit into your plans rather than try to make you fit into my plans.  Forgive me for putting my desires above yours.  How inconsiderate of me.  You are worthy and must be number 1 in my life. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 24, 2020: SOAP #3948:  Ezra 1; Psalm 84-85; Luke 7      

Note: SOAP from 2013/2018.  I receive multiple requests for money every day via Facebook.  The Lord has showed me that He would use me to help increase people’s faith in God to provide.  God can use other believers, or unbelievers, or provide through a miracle.  In whatever way He provides, our faith grows in Him, and our relationship of trust also grows.  This is a day for FAITH! 
The life of George Mueller (1805-1898) and his orphanages attest to God’s provision.  After being clearly assured of God’s perfect will, George Mueller, without asking anyone else, prayed in the support for ten thousand orphans.  He refused to tell anyone his needs, only God.  

Scripture:  Ezra (NIV) 1:1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfil the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing: (especially verses 5 -7)

Observation:  God had moved the heart of King Cyrus to rebuild His temple in Jerusalem.  In verse five God moved on the hearts of some of the Jews to move back to Jerusalem to do the work.  They did not organize a fund raiser or beg for money.  The same God who moved the heart of King Cyrus was the same God who moved their hearts to go.  And the same God worked in the hearts of their neighbors to assist by giving.   God covers all aspects of HIS projects.

Application: From personal experience, I know God pays for what He authorizes.  If the vision is MINE and is WHAT I WANT TO DO for the Lord, then I may have to struggle to find the money.  But when the vision is HIS and is WHAT HE WANTS ME TO DO for Him, then I can rest in faith that He will provide.  When it is His vision, the pressure of finances is not on me, and I do not have to put pressure on others.   I can obey with the expectation of His supply.

Prayer:   Lord, you are the same God who moved the heart of the pagan king Cyrus.  You are the same God who moved the Jews to go and to give.  You are the same God who provided for George Mueller.  And you are with me!!!  And you will provide for me to do your will!  Amen

Pastor Leon – Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 23, 2020: SOAP #3947:  Daniel 11-12; Luke 6

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 6:35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

Observation:  God is who He is because of who He is!   He is not who He is in response to man.  He always remains true to who He is.  He is gracious and benevolent.  Yet He is completely holy.  He does not stop being holy to be “kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” 

Nature is full of expressions of God’s love and goodness.  Yet His kindness is most clearly seen in the cross of Jesus. 

God’s standard is perfection.  He maintains perfection because He is holy.  He imparts holiness to us as we acknowledge that it was our sins for which Christ died on the cross. 

Application:  Every day of creation, God pronounced it “good!”  When Adam and Eve sinned, God removed them from the garden, but not from creation.  Though sinners, they were allowed to live among the many expressions of God’s goodness.  Our sinful ways have brought turmoil to things in nature, but God still lives here with us.  He is still “kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”      

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, the many expressions of your kindness amaze me.  I see your kindness in creation, in your intervention in my life, in your working in my circumstances—just everywhere.  Your goodness gives me much for which to be grateful!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 22, 2020: SOAP #3946:  Daniel 9-10; Psalm 123; Luke 5   

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 5:17 One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick.

Observation:  Although the Holy Spirit is not specifically mentioned here, it seems clear to me that the “power” is not His own power for that would have always been with Him. To me, this is referring to the Holy Spirit that came on Him when baptized by John, and of which He spoke in the synagogue in Luke 4:18.

The gift of healing is definitely one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1Corinthians 12:9).  Jesus’ ministry was marked by notable healings and miracles. 

The power to heal was noticeably present, so much so that it is recorded in the scriptures. 

Application:  It is a powerful moment when I become aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is a moment filled with possibilities. It is a moment when I expect God to do what only God can do.  It is a moment when my human limitations give way to divine possibilities. It is a “nothing-is-impossible” moment when hope drives out despair. It is a moment for my faith to soar.  I am Holy Spirit activated! 

I must remember that Jesus was walking with/in the SAME Holy Spirit who brings salvation into reality in my life and anointed me for service when I was Spirit baptized.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, dwell in me as you dwelt in Jesus.  Flow through me as you flowed through Jesus.  Anoint my life for the glory of God!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!