December 26, 2020: SOAP #4042: Rework of #2826:  Revelation 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 3:12 Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.

OBSERVATION:  Overcomers are those who are so identified with Christ that God wants to be identified with them.  So, Jesus writes on them the name of God.  He writes the address of God.  And He writes on them His new name!   He wants everyone to know that this is His child!  They bring Him joy!  They are the ones referred to in Hebrews 12:2: …who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

APPLICATION:   An artist signs his/her work so everyone can know who created the beautiful work of art. The painter signs the painting. The building is often named after the builders. God wants to be clearly identified with those who have remained faithful and not given in to temptation! 

We can only imagine the joy Jesus has as He presents the overcomers before the throne of heaven!   Father, here is the reason you sent me!  For this one I died! 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, I want to be one who carries your name! I want you to be glad to be known as my God! Jesus, I want my identity with you to bring you joy while I remain here and when I appear with you in heaven.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

December 23, 2020: SOAP #4038:  Psalm 117; 119:81-176; 2John; 3John

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

OBSERVATION:  Many times, the Word of God is like a rose bud.  It is beautiful as it forms on the branch of the bush.   We like to watch them develop.  We check every day to see how they are developing, because we know something even more beautiful is coming.  Before too long, one petal will unfold itself from the bud.  Then a second and third.  Soon the beauty of the rose is revealed in all its glory.   

This is the way God unfolds His Word to my heart.  I am reading a passage I have read many times before.  But this time a word or phrase catches my attention.  Instead of rushing on, because I have only so much time to spend in God’s Word, I pause to meditate on the “petal” of what the Lord has just showed me.  As I consider that “petal” I find that another “petal” is opening to my understanding. 

APPLICATION:   It takes time for the petals of a rose to unfold; and it make take time for God to fully unfold the “petals” of a specific verse—but it is well worth the wait!  

PRAYER:   Lord, so often the wisdom and understanding I need comes to me as you unfold your word.  No wonder that it is the ones who wait upon the Lord who renew their strength and mount up on wings as eagles.   Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

My personal SOAP saga:  Moving back into the normal flow of my life:  I arose this morning after my first night at home.  What a pleasant feeling.  One of the first things I did was to see how much I weighed.  241 lbs.  Quite a drop from the 272 I weighed when entering the hospital!  After a breakfast of a small portion of scrambles eggs, freshly squeezed orange juice, and one very small chocolate-macadamia pancake, I was full—probably one third of what I used to eat.  After breakfast, another task became very necessary.  I needed to add several holes in my belt!  It was too big to keep my clothes in place.  Ha!  This will probably be my last personal daily saga update, but I may give a report from time to time.  One of the great blessings of this SOAP ministry to me is the prayer support from around the world!  God brought Sharon and me through three tough weeks.  His word to me was true—He was not going with me; I was going with Him!   I was with Him, I stayed close to Him all the way.  I was there to do His bidding.  Thanks for your prayers.  😊