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!