December 03, 2020: SOAP #4018:  Romans 13-16

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 15:13  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

OBSERVATION:  Much of our hope is based on the on the reputation, on the abilities, and on the willingness of those who can help us.  We are more hopeful that the emergency surgery will turn out good when the nurse tells us that the doctor on call has done hundreds of similar surgeries and is the best in the state.  I am more hopeful that the bank will help me when my friend tells me how they were helped in a similar crisis.

APPLICATION:  If Leon bases his hope on the reputation, the abilities and willingness of God of hope, then Leon should never run out of hope!   I need to just keep trusting Him and singing, “It is no secret, what God can do!  What He’s done for others, He’ll do for you.  With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you.  It is no secret; what God can do.”  (Stuart Hamblen)

PRAYER:  Lord, use me to build hope in others by telling them what you have done, and are doing, for me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

Personal note:  Today I had a follow-up visit with the surgeon who repaired the mitral valve in my heart.  I have had some trouble at times getting my breath and my O2 levels have been low.  After listening to my heart and getting an EKG, he re-admitted me to the hospital where I am now.  My heart has reverted to afib beat and is going too fast.  Through the night they will be giving me some medicine to help regulate it; if necessary they may attempt to shock it back into a regular rhythm in the morning.  Like before, God is not with me; I am with Him and His Presence fills this room.  Me and my uke are worshipping Him.  How special!