November 30, 2020: SOAP #4015:  Romans 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 3:20 Therefore no-one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. …
23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans (NIV) 3:21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, …
24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

OBSERVATION:  Verses 20 and 23 above show the hopelessness of ever gaining God’s approval.  If God wants me to have His approval, He will have to do something Himself.  Verses 21-22 and 24 are full of hope because that is what God did!  A righteousness I could never earn has been provided by God!  I gain it by faith.  I gain a “not guilty standing” before God as I accept Jesus sacrifice as the payment for my sins. 

APPLICATION:  The more I read the book of Romans, the more my heart overflows with gratitude. 

It was an impossible situation.  The man God created and loved had become tainted with sin and could never be allowed into heaven, the holy dwelling of the Most Holy God.  The love relationship God desired with His creation was ruined.  But God found a way.  In great cost to Himself, He sent the perfectly holy Jesus to live among men and die for their sins!   All who by faith receive the sacrifice of Jesus have their sins forgiven and can enter God’s Holy Heaven just as if they had never sinned!  

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, your wisdom amazes me.  You found a way to remain holy yet allow me to enter your presence!  Thank you for cleaning me by the blood shed on Calvary. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 29, 2020: SOAP #4014:  1Thes 4-5; 2Thes 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  1Thessalonians (NIV) 4:13 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so, we will be with the Lord forever.

1Thessalonians (NIV) 5:9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.

OBSERVATION:  Death is definitely more than sleep, but in the above verses Paul draws some comparisons.  First:  we will all wake from sleep, and our bodies will all be resurrected from the dead.  Second:  we will be reunited with those who have preceded us in death. 

When we die, Paul taught that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.  (2Corinthians 5:6-8) Above we read that our spirits will return with the Lord to be joined with our physical bodies. 

APPLICATION:  In my birth, I passed through my mother’s birth cannel to begin life my physical life.  In death my spirit passes through a second birth cannel of my body to enter life eternal in the presence of God.  I leave my body behind until Jesus returns.   

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, death is not something to be dreaded, but an adventure to be anticipated. Unhindered by my current limitations, I will be with you forever!   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 28, 2020: SOAP #4013:  Matthew 28; 1Thes 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  1Thessalonians (NIV) 3:9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. 11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

OBSERVATION:  Paul is praying for his dear friends in Thessalonica.  He wants to be able to see them, to spend some time with them. He prays for their relationships with each other.  But he ends his prayer with eternity in view. 

He prays for them to be blameless and holy when they stand before God.

APPLICATION:  I often hear myself and others praying for temporal blessings like good health, good job, increased finances, etc. …but we do not pray for their eternal life and reward.  May the Lord who shed His blood for their salvation be pleased when they appear before Him!   May He know that His sacrifice was worth the suffering!  

PRAYER:  Lord, may my life today bring you honor and joy.  But mostly when I stand before you may I be blameless and holy. My faith is in your sacrifice as payment for my sins.  My faith is in the presence of the Holy Spirit to walk with me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 27, 2020: SOAP #4012:  Psalm 125; Matthew 26-27

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 27:62 The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.” 65 “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

Observation:  If the disciples had remembered what Jesus had said, they could have set up a watch at the tomb.  They could have been counting off the days until Jesus returned.  They did not remember, so they hid away. 

But someone remembered!  The chief priests and the Pharisees remembered!  Something rang true about Jesus’ words.  Perhaps the disciples would break into the tomb and steal the body.  So, the Romans made sure no one would break in, but they could not stop Jesus from breaking out!!!    

Application:  How I limit myself when I do not remember God’s Word, especially His Words to me.  His words give me strength to be patient.  They give me boldness to step out in obedience.  They give me confidence to stand against any opposition. 

Prayer:  Lord, hearing your voice assures me that you know where I am and are very much aware of what I am going through.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 26, 2020: SOAP #4011:  Matthew 23-25

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, …
40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ …
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. …
45 “He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

Observation:  The King sitting in judgment in the passage above is none other than the Creator who formed man in His image. It is none other than the one who took upon Himself the form of a man to live under the temptations as all men do.  He is the Holy One who would make a sinless sacrifice of Himself for the sins of men. 

He served man and expects us to serve one another.  He takes our service, or lack of service, to others as though we did it to Him…and He rewards us as though we did it to Him. 

Application:  God is looking for people who display His character in their lives.  God is populating heaven with people who have His values.     

Prayer:   Jesus, you went to prepare a place for me, but while I am here, the Holy Spirit is preparing me for that place! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

We do not need a special Thanksgiving Day to be thankful, but it is a blessing that former leaders of our nation thought it important enough to set aside a Thanksgiving Day.  On my list for thanksgiving, close to the top, are those who prayed for me during my physical challenges.  God has answered and is answering your prayers.  Thank you for praying!   Leon 😊

November 24, 2020: SOAP #4009:  Matthew 17-19

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 20:25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Observation:  Leadership issues in the Bible are much different than those found in the world, especially in political leaders today.  In some countries, key leaders may have the title “Public Servant” and they use the term “ministry” to describe their office, but it seems they have forgotten what those words mean.  They use their authority to rule and control, instead as a tool to serve others. 

Application: “How does this work,” I may ask.  Jesus says, “…just as the Son of Man…”  He is telling me to follow his example.  Even in this He is serving me by setting himself as my example.  The emphasis in the gospels is not what we can do for Jesus, but what Jesus does for us!!! 

I should not be surprised that the Spirit of Jesus dwelling in me inspires me to serves others.  I should not be surprised when I suddenly become aware of a need—the Spirit is showing me an opportunity to serve.  It is usually a need far beyond my ability to meet but when I step out in faith God either multiplies my little or fills in what is missing. 

Prayer:  Lord, I am your servant.  Use me for your glory today.  My joy is bringing you pleasure—making you smile.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 24, 2020: SOAP #4009:  Matthew 17-19

SCRIPTURE:  Mathew (NIV) 18:2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.

OBSERVATION:  The special blessing promised in this verse is that when we welcome children in His name, we are also welcoming Him!  What I do to children, good or bad, Jesus takes it as though I personally did it to Him. 

APPLICATION:    There are at least three things I am saying when I welcome someone into my home.  1, I am privileged and happy to have you here.  2. You are entering a friendly place.  And 3. You will be treated as having great value.  This is the way we should welcome children AND this is the way we should welcome Jesus.

Truly I want Jesus to know that I am happy to have Him in my life.  My heart should be a friendly place for Him.  He should feel right at home.  I surely do not want to offend such a valuable guest by using inappropriate language or allowing a bad attitude.

PRAYER:   Lord, I welcome children and you as great friends.  Please make yourself at home in my life.  I pray a special blessing today for those ministering to children in your name.  Make them know that you are with them.  Holy Spirit show them new ways to reach the children. Show them ways that have never been used before. Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 23, 2020: SOAP #4008:  Matthew 14-16

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 16:21  From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” 23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

OBSERVATION:  What was Peter doing that cause Jesus to call him an adversary (Satan) and to say that Peter was a stumbling block to Him?  Peter said that the Father’s will would never happen.  Peter’s words were expressions of Peter’s thoughts.  He was not considering that Jesus had told them the truth about what lay ahead.  He would have denied Jesus the crucifixion, also the resurrection!  

APPLICATION:  I wonder how many times I have evaluated something or someone from man’s perspective instead of God’s plan for their life.  How often have I said, “That cannot be done!”  or “They will never change!”  or “That is impossible!”  or “God cannot do that in my circumstances!”  How often have I had more faith in what man can do for me than in what God can do for me?   It is true that God may send help through people, but what a blessing to know that they are responding to God’s direction and not my plea for help.  When I know it is God who is hearing and responding to my prayer—that builds faith!  

How many times have I been a “stumbling” block instead of a steppingstone? 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, forgive me for having such limited faith in Who you Are and what you can do.  Increase my faith. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 22, 2020: SOAP #4007:  Matthew 11-13

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Observation:  We may like to think of God being yoked to us.  To accomplish our goal, we want the benefit of His power and provision.  But that is not what these verses teach.  He is not taking MY yoke, but I am taking HIS yoke. 

In HIS yoke, I learn His ways and priorities.  In HIS yoke, I can rest; the pressure is on Him.  He is the Strong One in the yoke who pulls the load. 

Application:  The Lord recently surprised me by telling me He would not be going with me to the hospital; I would be going with Him.  He was teaching me the truth of the above verses. 

When I am desperately trying to accomplish my goal, when I am passionately trying to get others to help me, I need to make sure I am in HIS yoke and I am working together to accomplish HIS goal. 

Prayer:  Lord, when yoked to you, the load is easy for me; the burden is light for me.  Instead of frantically trying to make things work, I can rest in your yoke.  It does not depend on me!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

Personal note:  Something special for Thanksgiving!  This past week I had a test done on my heart to determine the success of the recent operation.  It was also to set a baseline for future evaluation.  The cardiologist called me yesterday (Friday) morning to tell me that the surgery had accomplished its purpose.  We will wait and see if the rhythm gets settled or if I will need to rely on the installed pacemaker.  He is sending me a letter of release to drive the school bus which I will take to a special Department of Transportation physical.  If everything continues in a good way, I should be back to my bus route just after Thanksgiving vacation.  God has answered the many of your prayers on my behalf.  With a grateful heart, I say, “Thank you!”   😊 

November 21, 2020: SOAP #4006:  Matthew 8-10

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 8:8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.

Observation:  The centurion’s understanding of Jesus’ authority came from understanding and using his own authority.  It is important to note that the centurion did not say that he was a man “IN authority,” but a man “UNDER authority.  Being under authority is the key to being in authority. The centurion’s authority came from the ones to whom he was submitted. 

More than thirty scriptures in the Gospels have Jesus saying He was sent.  He was here to do His Father’s will.  Jesus, as the Son of Man, was under the authority of His Father. 

Application:  If we cannot be under authority, we cannot be in authority.  It is under authority that we learn how to be in authority. Again, the source of our authority flows from the authority of the one to whom we submit.  The blessing of submission is authority. 

Prayer:  Lord help me learn, help me remember, and remind me to submit to the authorities you have set in my life, in the church and in the community.  May I be a good example of submission. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!