June 05, 2021: SOAP #4202:  Proverbs 30,31; Psalm 33; Ephesians 1

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For HE CHOSE US in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

OBSERVATION: You might not have chosen me; I might not have chosen you, BUT God chose us. God took a risk in choosing man (you and I). There is a risk that it will not work out, that sin will abound. At times in this world, we who see with the natural eye may wonder if it was worth the risk. But God who sees all things and knows all things and understands all things says to us, “Fear not, my child, when you see sin abound, be not dismayed when chaos reigns, when evil and greedy men seem bent on destroying you, your home, your nation and even the world. Do not be disheartened when even nature seems to be out of control. Not all things are now as they will be. The One who paid the price for sin will return to destroy sin and its consequences in this world. And as truly as I live, though this world is full of sin, it shall be filled with My Glory as the waters cover the sea. Though your life seems filled with darkness and chaos, though you walk in difficult places, keep your eyes on Me for I have chosen you and will bring you through to see My Glory revealed among men.”

APPLICATION:  God chose me to receive the good news about Jesus.  God accepted me when I asked for forgiveness.  God ordered my life when I made Jesus my Lord.  If God is for me, who can be against me!   (Romans 8:31)

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, you did the choosing.  So, I am on your team.  Forgive me for treating you as though you are on my team.  It is not my team; it is your team. I trust you to work through all things for my good and your glory but my priority is to work for your good and your glory!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!