January 05, 2021: SOAP #4051:  Genesis 12-14; Luke 5

SCRIPTURE:  Genesis (NIV) 12:7 The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So, he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him. 8 From there he went on towards the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD.
Genesis (NIV) 13:3 From the Negev he went from place to place until he came to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had been earlier 4 and where he had first built an altar. There Abram called on the name of the LORD… 18 So, Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD.

OBSERVATION:  Abram understood the difference between the temporal/temporary, and the permanent/eternal.  The tent he lived in during his temporary lifetime on earth could be moved from place to place.  He did not build a beautiful house in each of the places he lived.  This world was not his home.  However, it was different with altars.  He pitched his tent but built his altars.  They were permanent.  In verse 4 above Abram returned to the altar he had first built. 

APPLICATION:  This world is in constant view; it is easy to pay more attention to what we can see than on what is unseen.  Yet the Bible is clear; what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal.  (2Corinthians 4:18)   My challenge is to take what I possess of the temporary things and use them to build the value of my eternal inheritance.   

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, help me make wise investments of my time and possessions during my earthly lifetime.  When I am gone, may there be others following behind who will join me at the throne in heaven.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

My personal SOAP saga:  I had a good day!  I enjoyed visiting the bus barn and seeing my friends there.  😊   I still have some tightness in my chest, but it is improving.  I still have some discomfort when lying down, but not as bad as before.  An x-ray will reveal how much fluid remains in the chest cavity.   I am waiting for a return call from the VA about an appointment with the doctor.  I continue to enjoy God’s presence and blessing as I continue to “walk with Him!” 

January 04, 2021: SOAP #4050:  Genesis 9-11; Luke 4

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.

OBSERVATION:  Being “full of the Holy Spirit” and being “led by the Spirit!”  How exciting is that!  Surely great things are ahead!  Revival is coming!  But No!  The Spirit led him into the desert where “for forty days he was tempted by the devil!”  

APPLICATION:   Being a “Spirit-filled” believer does not mean that I will not have hard times.  It does not mean that I will never go into a desert.  There may be times when the Spirit clearly leads me into tough times where I am tempted. 

But this is my confidence: I am not in the trouble by myself!  The One with me has already been here!  He has already withstood the devil’s temptations!   He has been tempted and tested in every way common to man and came out victorious!   He has promised to be my Helper!!! 

PRAYER:   Lord, relying on your presence is my assurance of victory.  Thank you!  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

My personal SOAP saga:  I make sure not to miss any doctor’s appointments.  If they are important, then my appointment with God and His church is even more important!!!  This morning during communion, the body of Christ gathered in prayer around Sharon and me.  The Presence of the Holy Spirit was strong among us.  The touch of the Holy Spirit was sweet.  I still have some tightness in my chest, but I am feeling good.  😊  I need to make an appointment to see a doctor and have some x-rays later this week.