November 20, 2020: SOAP #4005:  Matthew 5-7

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? …
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Observation:  Both worry and hope are patterns of thought entertained by our mind.  Worry is expecting the worst might happen.  Hope is expecting the best might happen.  Worry leads to fear.  Hope leads to faith. 

Application:  I have discovered that I cannot stop worrying by trying to stop worrying.  The harder I work at stopping the “worry” thoughts, the more they become a part of my life.  Instead of working to stop worry, I need to actively start “hope” thoughts. 

Daily reading God’s Word, meditating on God’s greatness and His love for me—these make me hopeful and build faith in my heart and mind. 

Personal times of worship focus our thoughts on God’s presence in our circumstances.  Soon my default thinking is changed from worry and fear to hope and faith! 

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, I need your help in keeping my mind in line with the scriptures.  Fill my heart with your presence and my mind with your thoughts.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 19, 2020: SOAP #4004:  Matthew 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 4:10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

OBSERVATION:   The devil had tempted Jesus in each of the three ways mentioned in 1John 2:16: the lust of the flesh (turning stone into bread to satisfy hunger), the lust of the eyes (look at all the kingdoms I will give you if you worship me), and the pride of life (prove you are God, the Son.) Jesus proved victorious in each. And He used only what was available to us — The Word!

Jesus was tempted in the exact same points as Eve in the garden. (Gen 3:6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, … ) Eve was tempted with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.  The devil’s tactics have not changed.

As Jesus overcame Satan in these same temptations, He proved Himself to be the perfect sacrifice for sin. Paul wrote, “He Who knew no sin … ” It was not because He had not been tempted or tested. From Genesis to the time of Jesus and to this very day, the devil’s tactics have not changed, but neither has the victory available to us in the life of Christ!

APPLICATION:   From chapter 3 in Genesis, to chapter 4 in Matthew, to chapter 2 in 1John.  From Eve and Satan, to Jesus and Satan, to me and Satan, temptation remains the same.  What continuity can be seen in the Bible!

The Life of Jesus within me has already gained the victory over temptation and sin.  His death on the cross pays for my sins; His life within me helps me live in victory over sin.

PRAYER:  Lord, Your Word tells me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  And “all things” includes overcoming temptation.    Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

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! 

November 16, 2020: SOAP #4001:  2Corinthians 3-6  

Scripture:  Chapter 5 and 6 of 2Corinthians.  In these chapters we are given the progression from God’s purpose for people, to our goals, to our mission, and to procedures/guidelines to accomplish our mission.   

Observation: 
Purpose:  2Corinthians 2:1-5   4b-5 …so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5  Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Goal (based on purpose):  2Corinthians 2:9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

Mission (how we fulfill our goal):  2Corinthians 2:18-20  18 …gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 …And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors…

Operating procedures/guidelines are seen in chapter 6.  Chapter 6:3 We put no stumbling-block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.
Specific instructions as to how we are to live in completing our mission, fulfilling our goal, and meeting God’s purpose for our lives. 

Application:  The day by day accomplishment of the above is individually directed by the Holy Spirit. 

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, lead me to fulfill the purpose God had in placing me in this location on the planet, among the people around me, and in my family. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 15, 2020: SOAP #4000:  Job 41, 42; 2Corinthians 1, 2

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians 2:3  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

OBSERVATION:  How grateful we should be for the comfort God gives us.  His comfort relieves suffering and even gives reasons for rejoicing.  However, we should note that God does not give comfort only for our benefit, but “…so that…” we can comfort others. 

APPLICATION:  Daily God gives me insight into His word.  It blesses me to know He is with me and talks to me.  It brings me joy to see something fresh from the Lord.  BUT God intends it to be more than for my benefit.  He reveals His word to me “…so that…” I can share it with others. 

I am thinking that all God’s blessings should be seen the same way.  When God blesses me with some money, I praise Him for meeting my need.  But God gave it “…so that…” I can find a way to bless someone else.  Maybe it is only through my testimony to encourage them in their struggle. 

When God blesses me with a means of transportation, I enjoy the freedom it brings.  But God gave me that blessing “…so that…” I can bless others as they may have need.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, I want you to be doubly blessed by the blessings you give me.  First, I want you to be blessed as I praise and thank you for your work in my life.  Second, I want you to be blessed as I bless others someone else. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 14, 2020: SOAP #3999:  Psalm 149; 1Corinthians 15, 16

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 149:1 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.

Observation:  The Psalmist is not singing about people attending a concert of talented musicians giving a great musical presentation.  He is singing that everyone was to be a participator in the joyous praise.  It is always good to keep our hearts full of praise when we are alone, but here the psalmist is talking about everyone lifting their voices together in one mass choir to the Lord. 

Application:  I do not go to church to listen to others giving praise to God.  I go to join them in praising God.  I do not go to church to be entertained.  I go to church to join others in bringing joy to my Heavenly Father.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, you are worthy of all praise.  You are worthy of my praise when I am all alone, and you are worthy of the praise of those with whom I gather.  May I never withhold your praise.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

Personal note:  For those keeping up with my journey, today I visited my cardiologist.  The surgeon had indicated that I might be able to go back to bus driving this week, at least that is what I thought I heard.  The cardiologist today thinks it better if I go through some cardio-rehab and have more time to recover.  He wants an echo-cardiogram next week to have as a base line to measure future improvement.  Maybe I’ll get back to the bus the middle of December or the first of January.  The EKG today showed that my heart is still in atrial fib, but the pacemaker is maintaining a good pulse.   Eleven years ago, God told me to drive a school bus; He has enabled me to pass my required physical every year.  If I can best please Him by continuing to drive a bus, I am confident that He will continue to enable me to do so.  If He has a change for my service, it is His to direct. 

Note: tomorrow is a day I never dreamed I would meet:  SOAP #4000.  For you who have joined me, thank you for your encouraging notes from time to time.  S.D.G.  😊  Leon

November 13, 2020: SOAP #3998:  Job 39, 40; 1Corinthians 13, 14

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 14:12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

OBSERVATION:  Paul was writing instructions to the church in Corinth about their times of gathering or meetings.  From reading this chapter, we see that the gifts of the Holy Spirit were active among the believers.  Sometimes it became disorderly.  Paul did not tell them to all be quiet, but that things should be done in an orderly manner.  It was important for people to understand what the Spirit was saying to the church. 

In the verse above, the church members were “eager” to have spiritual gifts. 

APPLICATION:  What are the characteristics of someone “eager” to have spiritual gifts?  I think that they would be praying between meetings that God would use them to bring a “gift” that would build up the congregation.  I believe they would come ready to allow the Holy Spirit to flow through them with a prophecy, a gift of healing, message of tongues and interpretation. 

I do not think they would come hoping that the preacher would have a good message to encourage them.  They would come with something in their spirit that can be shared with the body or some individual who needs encouragement.  They would come to church looking for a way to be a blessing! 

One does not need to be in leadership to be used by the Holy Spirit.  They can be active as believers minister to each other.  Spiritual gifts can flow through us at home, at work, at school, at church, or wherever we are! 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, find me “eager” to have you working through me.  Forgive me for times I resisted or ignored what you were saying to me.  May I always be open to your leading.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 12, 2020: SOAP #3997:  Job 37, 38; 1Corinthians 12

Scripture:  1Corrrinthians (NIV) 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

Observation:  Out of this passage about spiritual gifts, the above verse speaks to me today.  When God gives one of His children a gift, His desire is that it will give them opportunities to be more like Him!  He is a giver!  He is a lover!  He serves us in so many ways.  With their gift, they can better serve others.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit, the leadership gifts, the motivational gifts, the gift of knowledge and/or wisdom, the gift of our possessions…and whatever else type of gifts there may be… They are all given to us to make us more useful to others.  They are not given to us to make our lives easier or so we can climb to a position in life to be better than others, or to control others.  They are given to us so that we can make others better—so we can serve others. 

Application:  I believe when God has given me a gift, He will also provide a way to use that gift to serve others.  God has given me the gift of knowing Him and seeing things from His perspective.  Through these SOAPs, He has provided a way for that gift to bless others. 

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, thank you for making me useful.  And thank you for increasing the usefulness of each SOAP reader. Stir them up and show them a way they can personally use whatever gift you have given them to benefit others. Help us to not miss any opportunity today to use our gifts to serve others.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 11, 2020: SOAP #3996:  Psalm 122; 1Corinthians 9-11

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

OBSERVATION:  Paul has been giving instructions about what food would be permissible to eat, and what should be refused, and why.  As he is completing his instructions, he gives this overriding principle for life.  Whatever they eat, whatever they drink, OR WHATEVER THEY DO…  This principle not only covers eating and drinking; it covers EVERYTHING they do!   “…do it all for the glory of God!”

APPLICATION:  Everything I do should be done considering my relationship to God.  Is there a way that what I am doing can bring God personal satisfaction and joy?  I am His child/son.  How can I please Him? 

Since people already know (or will soon come to know) of my personal relationship to God, is there something I can do that might cause them to consider God worthy of their commitment?

Since my life is on display before heavenly principalities, how can I live my life in a way that makes God’s plan to create man, to redeem fallen man by the death of Jesus, to give man authority and a promise of ruling and reigning in heavenly places…how can I live my life so that all principalities and powers in heavenly places will stand in awe at the wisdom and love of God!

Note: The great music composers, Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) and George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) often  wrote the initials “S. D. G.” at the end of their compositions.  Soli Deo gloria. …meaning “glory to God alone,” or “glory to the only God.”   

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, stamp my life with S.D.G! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!