June 21, 2021: SOAP #4218:  2Kings 6,7; 2Chronicles 20; 1Timothy 3

SCRIPTURE:  1Timothy (NIV) 3:14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

OBSERVATION: Paul had plans to see Timothy soon but had a thought that he might be delayed so it would be good to send a letter.  There does not appear to be any specific direction from the Lord for Paul to write this letter.  However, if Paul would have just waited until he saw Timothy to address the issues in this letter in person, we would not have the benefit of this letter in our Bible today.

APPLICATION:  Two things have application in my life.  First, I need to write things down.  Generations that follow me will not be able to read my mind, but they will be able to read what I write down.  Second, I probably will never know the extent God can use something I do-even those things I did just because it seemed like a good idea at the time.

I wrote the above in 2010, the first year I did SOAPs.  I did not how God would use them in the USA and in Asian and African countries.  A small act of faithful obedience has grown far beyond any expectations I ever had.  The prophetic words spoken into my life at a young age about being a missionary, the questions I had about not receiving a call to a specific country, the ten years in the US Navy, the call to pastor two churches in Hawaii and in Kansas—it all makes sense.  I did not miss the Lord.  He was leading me and preparing me for this SOAP ministry.  Being faithful and trusting His leading assures that everything will work out for my good and His glory. 

PRAYER: Lord, may everything I do, even the small things, be done for your glory. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!