September 11, 2020: SOAP #3935:  Daniel 1-2; Revelation 16

Scripture:  Daniel (NIV) 2:27 Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you lay on your bed are these…

Observation:   The challenge was great:  If the king had told his dream, anyone could make up some interpretation, BUT if one could tell the king the dream, the king would believe that person could also tell the interpretation.  It was not an illogical challenge.   

The consequences were drastic.  Failure to tell the dream would mean death.  And everyone else had already failed.    

It was an impossible situation, “…but there is a God in heaven…”     

Application:   It is not uncommon to face situations beyond our talents, and wisdom, and capabilities.  But there is still a God in heaven!   Things that are beyond my comprehension are completely understood by Him.  And He will show me what I need to know.  I can trust Him.       

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, I am so glad that you are “still a God in heaven!”  But I am even more glad that you are still the omnipresent God on earth, the God who has made my heart His home, the God who is with me, the God who speaks to me, the God who helps me… (add your own!)  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 10, 2020: SOAP #3934:  Lamentations 3-5; Revelation 15

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 15:2 And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and over the number of his name. They held harps given them by God 3 and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb: “Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. 4 Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

Observation:   In chapter 13 we read about a mark (666) on the back of the right hand or forehead that would be required to buy and sell.  In chapter 14 we read about the future of those who receive the mark.  Their identity with the antichrist meant that they also receive his judgment. 

Here in chapter 15 we read about the future of those who refuse the mark. They will be a part of a celebratory group honoring God with musical instruments and their singing. 

Application:  In playing with children, I have often held an object in my closed hand, then held out both hands, closed, for them to choose which hand was holding the desired object.  From these three chapters we see that God offers the choice with both hands open. 

The Holy and Faithful One reaches out to us in Love and gives us the full picture.  Nothing is hidden.  Accepting Satan’s offer and letting Satan mark us as his own property leads to eternal suffering in hell.  Rejecting Satan’s offer and choosing God’s way leads to eternal life in the presence of Almighty God. It is hardly a choice!      

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, I choose you.  I choose to reject Satan’s claim of ownership on my life.  I accept your death as the payment for my sins.  You are my Lord and Savior.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 09, 2020: SOAP #3933:  Lamentations 1-2; Obadiah; Revelation 14

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 14:9 A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, 10 he, too, will drink of the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulphur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name.”

Observation:   I did not want to write yesterday’s SOAP about the mark of the beast found in Revelation 13:16-18.  I had used it for SOAPs in several other years, but the Holy Spirit kept it so strong in my thoughts, I had to use it again.  Then God gave me some thoughts to use to show an application for today. 

But when I read the above three verses, the Lord spoke to my heart, “Here is the reason for yesterday’s SOAP.  The mark of the beast is Satan placing his mark of ownership on that which was created in my image!  It is that which I created in my image taking Satan’s mark of ownership.” 

Those who accept Satan’s mark of identification, also accept his future judgment.  Verse 10 above says, “…he too, will drink of the wine of God’s fury…tormented with burning sulphur…”  Note: Revelation 20:10

Application:   I want to make sure I am totally identified with my Creator, my Savior, my Lord.  I do not want there to be any question as to which side I am on.  Whatever I can do to identify Jesus as my Lord is a small price to pay for what Jesus did to identify with me and to take my place in paying for my sins.       

Prayer:  Lord, how can I say thanks for all you have done for me.  Use my life for your glory.  May I bring joy to your heart! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 08, 2020: SOAP #3932:  Jeremiah 42-44; Psalm 48; Revelation 13

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 13:16 He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, 17 so that no-one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. 18 This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man’s number. His number is 666.

Observation:   I remember reading this passage many years ago and thinking: “This is crazy!  Who would ever take a mark or allow a computerized chip to be placed in their hand or forehead?”  As soon as I finished thinking those thoughts, the Lord strongly impressed on my mind, “When the time comes, it will not be the ones who accept the mark who will be considered crazy, but those who refuse it!”  At that time, I could not see how that would ever be, but today people could very easily be duped into receiving such a mark. 

Tomorrow when I go to the bus barn to drive a school bus, someone will pass a thermometer by my forehead to see if I have a fever which may indicate that I have been infected with Covid-19.   Once a serum is available, it would be easy to implant a small chip into each one who has been inoculated.  It would be easy to screen everyone entering a bank or grocery store.  And the crazy ones will be those who reject the inoculation and the chip. 

Application:   Today it is essential to have a current relationship with the Holy Spirit.  I must “walk” and “talk” with Him every day.  I need the Holy Spirit to lead me in “paths of righteousness” and safety.       

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, you do see around corners and what is ahead.  I am dependent of your guidance.  May every day bring fresh spiritual skills in recognizing your voice.  As you anointed men of old to write the Bible, anoint my heart today to understand what I read.  Prepare me each day for what lies ahead.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 07, 2020: SOAP #3931:  2Kings 25; 2Chronicles 36; Jeremiah 40-41; Revelation 12

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 12:12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury because he knows that his time is short.”

Observation:  Those in the heavens have a great reason for rejoicing.  Satan, “the devil,” “the dragon,” has lost a war with Michael and has been cast out of heaven.  He will no longer have access to the throne to accuse people before God.  But the cause for rejoicing in the heavenlies is cause for alarm on earth.  Satan is furiously set on destroying God’s creation. 

What raises Satan’s fury is the same thing that gives me reason for rejoicing.  He knows what I know.  “His time is short!” 

Application:    Satan does not have all eternity to accuse and slander and deceive.  His time will come to an end!   But my time of serving God in a kingdom of love and peace and joy will never end!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us how things will happen at the culmination of your “man” plan.  It gives us hope as we go through difficult times. We know who wins. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 06, 2020: SOAP #3930:  Ezekiel 29-32; Revelation 11

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 11:13 At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. … 15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.” 16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshipped God.

Observation:  The above verses show us the difference between two locations—heaven and earth.  In verse 13, an earthquake causes the city to fall, bringing the death of 7,000 people.  In verse 16 the elders around the throne of heaven fall on their face in worship!      

Application:    Often we find ourselves in circumstances where we have no choice.  We can do nothing but go with the current.  Knowing what is going to happen, one can prepare ahead of time, but waiting until we are in the grip of the circumstances is too late to make a choice.   

People who are left behind when Jesus comes for His church will be in the grip of the prophecies of God’s judgment on the earth.  It will be an earth in turmoil, reaping the results of the seeds of sin that have been recklessly planted by people who think they will not have to answer for their deeds.  Choosing Jesus to be their Savior and Lord earlier would have saved them much suffering.   

This world which has been a testimony to the mercy and grace of a loving God will become a testimony to the justice and truthfulness of a holy God.  All creation has been witness to God’s love in redeeming sinful man.  All creation will be witness to God’s holiness in judging those reject His offer. 

Prayer:   Jesus, I choose you now.  I choose you now to be my Lord and Savior.  Set your Holy Spirit in me and lead me to live in a way that brings you glory.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 05, 2020: SOAP #3929:  Ezekiel 25-28; Revelation 10

Scripture:  Ezekiel (NIV) 28:17 Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So, I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.

Observation:   I see this passage presenting Satan/Lucifer.  He was probably the most beautiful of God’s creations.  He had a high position in heaven.  But pride came into his heart and he thought he deserved more.  (Isaiah 14:13-15) 

He thought his beauty made him worthy of equality with God, even taking God’s place!  Satan needed a good dose of humility. 

Application:  What a special find—to find beauty yoked together with humility.  –to find great talent encased in humility. –to find great knowledge mixed with great humility. 

Finding a talented person who is full of pride makes one look for another talented person who walks in humility. 

Humility has the unique quality to enhance everything it touches.  It beautifies.  It makes other qualities attractive.  It makes people attractive and their gifts useable.        

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, work humility in and through my life.  Make me useful to others.  Most of all, make me attractive to my Heavenly Father.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 04, 2020: SOAP #3928:  Ezekiel 22-24; Revelation 9

Scripture:  Ezekiel (NIV) 22:26 Her priests do violence to my law and profane my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the keeping of my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.
27 Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey; they shed blood and kill people to make unjust gain.
28 Her prophets whitewash these deeds for them by false visions and lying divinations. They say, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says’—when the LORD has not spoken.

Observation:   The Israelites had been freed from the slavery in Egypt to become a nation of people who honored the One True God.  God had chosen them for a special purpose, to bring forth the Messiah, the Savior of the world. 

In these verses, God, through the prophet Ezekiel, brings accusations against three groups of people, against the priests, against the government leaders, and against the prophets.  Instead of helping Israel move toward its special purpose, they hindered God’s plan.     

Application:   The church today needs those same ministries.  We need priests/pastors who will teach the people about sin and how we can determine what is sin.   We need government leaders who are servants of the people and not out to enrich themselves and making laws that they are not required to follow.  We need prophets, evangelists, TV preachers who tell us what God is really saying.      

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, today, more than ever before, we need your presence and ministry in the church.  With so many voices on TV and radio and internet, with so many books and so many claiming to be speaking for God, we need your wisdom in whom we follow and to whom we listen. Help us to know the Bible for ourselves so that we will not be deceived.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 03, 2020: SOAP #3927:  Ezekiel 20-21; Psalm 111; Revelation 8

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 111:
2 Great are the works of the LORD;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and
his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.

Observation:  The Psalmist shows how the character of God can be seen in his deeds.  Who God is cannot be hidden.  It is revealed in what He does. 

Application:   I have been receiving 5-6 requests for money every day.  Most are needing help to buy food.  It has been my general practice and my advice to others not to send money to people I/we do not know.  So, what would God have me do?   

I believe God will use me to build faith that God is our provider.  The One who provided daily food and water for the Israelites crossing the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land—surely, He can provide for us today.  The One who fed His prophet by birds bringing food, and then from a widow’s small, but unending supply of food—surely, He can do that for us today.  The One who used a small boy’s lunch to feed 5,000 people—surely, He can do that today!    Paul sent out a request for money to help the churches in Jerusalem, but never a request for himself, yet we read his thanksgiving to churches that joined his ministry through giving.  Luke 8:3 speaks of women who supported Jesus through their money, but we do not see Jesus making any appeal for money. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, you have many ways to provide for us.  We are instructed to make our needs/request known to you.  We do.  Our faith is in you.  You are our provider.  To you will go all the glory and praise. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 02, 2020: SOAP #3926:  Ezekiel 17-19; Revelation 7

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 7:9 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no-one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

Observation:  Salvation belongs to our God!   No one else understood man’s need for salvation.  No one else had the means to purchase salvation for sinful man.  No one else had the currency needed to make the transaction.  Salvation is a Holy God taking the just penalty of His fallen creation.   

Salvation is God’s plan and God’s work.  We receive the present and future benefits of that salvation by faith.   Sincere faith can be seen.  Faith that is strong enough to hold onto God’s provision is strong enough to be seen.  It effects the way we talk and what we do. 

Application:  The reality that God has already saved me from the results of my sins and placed His life within me—that reality fills my life with great thanksgiving.  That reality causes me to walk in faith for other things in my life.  That reality causes me to be joyful.  That reality makes me willing to joyfully endure hardship. 

People may not understand what has happened in my life, but they cannot miss the changes brought by that reality.       

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, salvation is your idea and your work!   To you goes all the glory and praise for my salvation.  May my appreciation be seen by those around me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!