November 18, 2020: SOAP #4003:  Ps 124, 2Cor 11-13

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 124:1 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side…
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

Observation:  In this short psalm, David goes through two scenarios of what it would be like if the Lord were not on their side.  First, enemies were bringing physical danger.  Second, emotional waves were rising in his soul. 

But David had help!  His help came from the Lord! 

The help a person receives is only as good or bad as the helper.  It is only as strong or weak as the helper.  It is only as wise or foolish as the helper.  It only comes with the resources available to the helper.   We can have no better helper than the one who created the heavens and the earth. 

Application:  The only questions left: Does God love me enough to help me? Does He think I am worth helping?   Is He willing to help me?  Yes, yes, and yes!  First:  Calvary answered the question of his love!  Second:  His promises answer the question of my value to Him.  And third:  The Presence of the Holy Spirit answers the question of His willingness!   

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, you have been my helper time after time.  I am so thankful!  Now I hear you calling me to be like you, to be a helper, to be your helper. Holy Spirit, reveal to me the Father’s plan for each day and show me my part to help. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 17, 2020: SOAP #4002:  2Corinthians 7-10  

Scripture:  2Corinthians (NIV) 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Observation:  The Bible is not just for one generation.  What WAS good for the days of Paul IS good for the days of Leon.  The Bible is not just for one continent.  What WAS good for people in Corinth IS good for Leon in the USA.  The Bible is not just for one people group.  It WAS good for the tentmakers of Corinth.  It WAS good for the Roman citizens.  It WAS good for the early Christians.  It IS good for the workers today.  It IS good for the politicians of today.  It IS good for all believers today. 

Money truths in the Bible apply to the poor as much as to the wealthy.  Wealthy people are encouraged to be generous.  Poor people are encouraged to be generous.  People in rich countries are encouraged to be generous.  People in poor countries are encouraged to be generous. 

God loves wealthy generous cheerful givers!  God also loves poor generous givers!

Application:  Generosity is not measured by how much is given, but by how much is left.  Generosity may be a greater sacrifice to someone poor, but God loves a cheerful giver, and they will reap generously! 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, no one can out give you!  You are the greatest giver!  Holy Spirit, show me how give and what to give.  May the nature of my Father be seen in me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!