October 01, 2021: SOAP #4320:  Zechariah 10-12; Psalm 126; Luke 14

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 14:25 Large crowds were travelling with Jesus and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. 27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. …
33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.

OBSERVATION: Yes, it is a high cost.  The high cost of being a disciple of Jesus is exceeded only by the much higher cost of NOT being His disciple! 

Discipleship is more than the impartation of knowledge; it is also the impartation of understanding and training of life skills.  It is setting life priorities.  The disciple learns life (what it is and how to live it) from his mentor. 

APPLICATION:  When I compare the cost of being Jesus’ disciple to the cost Jesus paid in leaving heaven, being born as a baby in a manger, living among men, and dying on the cross… The cost of discipleship is not unreasonable. 

When I compare the cost of being Jesus’ disciple to what is gained for all eternity…  The cost of discipleship is not unreasonable. 

When I consider the joy and peace of His indwelling presence, the cost of discipleship is not unreasonable. 

PRAYER: Sins forgiven, indwelling Holy Spirit, being a friend of God, insight into what is happening in the world, the enlightening of the Bible, the availability of more wisdom than can be found in all the books in the library of congress, personal assistance with relationships, a twenty-four hour-a-day friend who never sleeps, and even more…yes, Lord, it is more than worth-while being your disciple!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 30, 2021: SOAP #4319:  Zechariah 7-9; Luke 13

(reworking of #2858)

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 13:18 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?  19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.
20 And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

OBSERVATION: What is the kingdom of God like? …a tiny mustard seed.  The kingdom of God starts small then grows and grows until it is like a tree in which Birds can gather.

What is the kingdom of God like?  …like yeast.  The kingdom of God will be worked through our lives until every aspect of our lives are affected by the kingdom of God.

APPLICATION: It started with me possessing the Kingdom. It was such a small part of my life. But as I grew in understanding, the Kingdom became more and more influential in my life. I no longer see that I possess the Kingdom; now the Kingdom possesses me!

It started with me being interested, sensing the convicting presence of the Holy Spirit, but not understanding what was happening to me.  But as I grew in understanding, the Spirit’s influence affected more and more of my life. The Holy Spirit works the word through my life as yeast is worked through the whole batch.  Presently, there is no part of my life unaffected by the Holy Spirit. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, you can easily see the growth and maturity in my prayers.  The emphasis is moving from what you can do for me to what I can do for you. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 29, 2021: SOAP #4318:  Zechariah 4-6; Luke 12

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 12:28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. … 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

OBSERVATION:  The Creator God made man from the dust of the earth.  If anyone knows what it takes for a person to survive, surely He does!  The verse above says that He “knows that you need them!” 

If I believe, according to verse 30, that He knows what I need, then I should follow the directions in verse 29 and 31.  

APPLICATION:  Verse 29 tells me where not to set my focus; verse 31 tells me where to set my focus. 

When I served in Viet Nam with the Marine Corps, I did not worry about what I would eat.  It was provided for me.  I did not worry about my clothing or where I would sleep.  The Marine Corps took care of that.  As a Navy Hospital Corpsman, I could put my focus on why I was there. 

As a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, I need to focus on why I am here.  Recognizing His Presence, meditating on His Word and considering how I can best please Him.  Keeping my heart filled with worship. 

Note:  if any SOAP reader has a need of the basic things of life, take these scriptures to God in faith.  Seek Him!  Look to Him in faith!  Read His Word to Him and then worship Him.  Let your faith be seen in your obedience. 

PRAYER: Lord, you are my treasure!  My heart is where you are.  I count it a high honor that you would live in me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 28, 2021: SOAP #4317:  Zechariah 1-3; Luke 11

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 11:1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 

OBSERVATION: This lesson on prayer started with Jesus praying.  It was his example that sparked the disciples’ interest!  (Too many teachings on prayer from Luke 11 start with verse 2 and not verse 1!)  His commitment to pray, His passion in praying caught their attention.  Obviously, Jesus believed that praying was a valuable way to spend His time.  It was worth investing time. 

There was no one better from which to learn.  There was no better teacher.  If ever there was a request that the Lord was pleased to answer, it must have been this one. 

Jesus, in teaching His disciples to pray, started with setting a good example.  (Parents, pastors, church board members, teachers, youth leaders take note!  Teaching people to pray starts with setting a good example!) 

APPLICATION:  Surely, we can never learn enough about prayer.  I want my prayers to be ones that the Lord is delighted to answer.  When I pray, I do not want the Lord woefully L saying, “Oh no, here he is again.  What is he going to ask for this time?”   I want the Lord to be excited to see me. J  “Oh, yes, here he is again!  Angels, come and listen to this prayer.  Listen carefully to what he is asking for this time!” 

PRAYER: Lord you hear so much negative complaining; and you see all the trouble; surely, I can lift your heart by praying for things that would cause you great delight to answer.  “Lord, teach me to pray.” Amen.   

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 27, 2021: SOAP #4316:  Haggai 1-2; Psalm 129; Luke 10

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 10:21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

OBSERVATION: My attention was caught with Jesus praising the Father.  He followed His praise with a “because…”  Jesus was praising the Father for what the Father had done.  Jesus’ praise was tied to something the Father had done. 

APPLICATION:  When I praise God, it is good give a reason for my praise.  Knowing how much the Lord has done for me, it is not difficult to give a reason for my praise.  Sometimes I get in a rut, just saying “praise the Lord,” or repeating “hallelujah.”  Of course, it is better to repeat those phrases than some of the common words/phrases used in the world around me.  But I should not become lazy in my praise.  I need to add a “because…” 

PRAYER: Lord, I worship you because of who you are, eternal, almighty, holy and loving.  Lord, I praise you for what you do, saving me, healing me, speaking to me, providing for me…. May my worship and praise bring joy to your heart. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 26, 2021: SOAP #4315:  Ezra 4; Psalm 113, 127; Luke 9

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.

OBSERVATION: The LORD is the builder, but He does not work alone.  He has a crew of “builders.”  If the LORD is not the head-builder, their work turns out useless. 

The same is true of security personnel.  If the LORD is not the head Police officer, the watchmen stand guard in vain. 

The same is true of every line of work.  He is knowledgeable, proficient, and competent in every vocation. 

APPLICATION:  We limit our accomplishments when we think we can do our job alone.  We dishonor Him when we act like we do not need His guidance and help.  I should not consider Him as MY Helper, I should consider myself as HIS assistant. 

PRAYER: LORD, you are competent in every vocation.  Forgive me for not submitting the lead to you. Forgive me for thinking I can carry on without your input and help.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 25, 2021: SOAP #4314:  Ezra 2-3; Luke 8

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 8: 22 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” So, they got into a boat and set out. 
23 As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
24 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.
25 “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement, they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

OBSERVATION: Two confessions!  Two statements!  First: “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.”  Second:  Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” 

The first was a statement of faith and purpose; the second was a statement of fear.  Hmmm… not even one of the disciples interrupted the others by reminding them of what Jesus had said.  After everything was calm, Jesus had a question for them, “Where is your faith?”

Jesus was greater than the storm, the wind, and the waves!   He was also greater than their negative confession!!!  

APPLICATION:  I am so glad that the ONE with me is greater than my negative confessions. I am glad HE challenges me to put my faith in HIS word. HE is greater than my circumstances! HE amazes me with HIS ability to overcome what seems impossible. The more I know HIM, my confession changes from my hopelessness to HIS ability!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for being greater than my negative confession!  Holy Spirit, keep interrupting my negative thoughts.  Help me fill my mind with faith-filled thoughts.  Keep bringing the mighty words of God to my mind.  Keep asking, “Leon, where is your faith?  On what is your faith resting?” Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 24, 2021: SOAP #4313:  Ezra 1; Psalm 84-85; Luke 7

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 85:9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. 10 Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.

OBSERVATION: But what makes someone good?  It is the combination of the two characteristics we see in this verse.  There must be love and holiness (here expressed in faithfulness.)

Holiness is expressed in justice and faithfulness.  Truly a god would not be good if unjust and/or unfaithful.  Love is expressed in mercy and grace.  We would not call anyone good if lacking in mercy or grace. Indeed, it is the combination of these two characteristics that make the Living God GOOD!

APPLICATION:  But how can He be both, loving and holy, and interact with fallen man?  The answer is the cross!  For, in the cross the holiness of God is satisfied as the sinless blood of God’s only begotten Son is shed to pay for our sins!  And in the cross the love of God is satisfied as men who were before lost in their sin can boldly approach the throne of God in worship, covered by the precious blood of God’s Son!

In the humble humanity of God walking dusty roads in the flesh, experiencing hunger and weariness, love and faithfulness met together. And in the bloody, sweaty, suffering of the cross, righteousness and peace kissed each other!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, your wisdom amazes me.  Through the death of your Son, you covered my sin!  And through the death of your Son, you extended the full extent of your love to me.   You have welcomed me into your family and made me your child.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 23, 2021: SOAP #4312:  Daniel 11-12; Luke 6

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

OBSERVATION: What special promises.  Many people would like to have people giving to them and their need like is mentioned here.  They would like to receive “a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over!”  They would like to have people pouring finances into their “lap!”  But there is something that precedes receiving—giving! 

I have had people telling me that God will bless me if I give to them, but they do not realize that the same God will bless them if they give!   If this verse is true, AND IT IS, a believer can give their way out of financial trouble. 

APPLICATION:  These are the words of Jesus, my Lord and Savior.  I should take them to heart.  I should apply them to my life.  I should expect that they will bring results. 

I do apply these words and I do expect results.  My life is proof of the truth in this verse.  Jesus did not lie!  

Start with the measure you have and expect God to increase your ability to use a greater measure.  You should use the largest measure you can, but it is never too small for a start.  It may be so small that it does not seem to be useful where it is given, BUT IT IS NOT TOO SMALL FOR GOD TO BLESS!!! 

PRAYER: Lord, you told it like it is!  You are “the way, the truth, and the life!” Your truth applies to my giving and receiving.  As I am faithful to give with the measure I have, I expect you will increase the measure I can use in giving. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 22, 2021: SOAP #4311:  Daniel 9-10; Psalm 123; Luke 5

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 5:6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.”

Acts (NIV) 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ,,,41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

OBSERVATION: Jesus gave Peter a visual picture of what Peter could expect.  They caught so many fish they needed help from another boat; then both boats began to sink!   Jesus spoke directly to Peter.  He changed Peter’s occupation from being a fisherman to being a fisher of men!  

Some time later after Jesus had ascended to heaven and the Holy Spirit had filled the believers, a crowd gathered to see what was happening.  Who was it that stood before the crowd to preach?  None other than the fisherman to whom Jesus spoke after the big catch!   The results of the message that day: 3,000 people believed Peter’s message and were baptized!!!  

APPLICATION:  When Jesus draws my attention to something unique (like a large catch of fish or the vision of a sheet let down from heaven), I need to pay attention.  He may be preparing me for a special future ministry.  It may be to 3000 as for Peter.  It may be for ministry to a strange Gentile as for Peter in Acts 10.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, many times I have prayed for you to use me for your glory.  Again, I offer myself to you.  Have your will in my life.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!