October 11, 2021: SOAP #4330:  Nehemiah 5-6; Psalm 146; Luke 24

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 24:1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

OBSERVATION: These servant-hearted women had just suffered a great loss.  Their love for Jesus needed some expression.  Because of the sabbath, they were limited in what they could do.  So, they used the time to make preparations to anoint the body of Jesus. 

Their preparations demonstrated their love, but not their faith.  They had all heard Jesus say that He would raise from the dead.  Jesus would not need the spices they had prepared. 

APPLICATION:  In serving the Lord, my priority is to listen to what He says.  His words will direct my efforts.  Obviously, I cannot take every opportunity to serve my Lord, so I need His direction as to which opportunities I accept and which ones I leave for others to do. 

Many times, God speaks to me as I read His word; the Holy Spirit sparks my attention.  Sometimes He speaks to me through the Holy Spirit drawing my attention to my circumstances.  And sometimes God speaks to me through other people.  Eleven years ago this month, Pastor Dayton gave me the assignment to write these SOAPs.  I did not want to do it, but God told me that I should do as he said.  Everyday, God has shown Himself faithful! 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, letting you take the lead in my life is the key to maintaining a victorious spiritual life.  You walked with Jesus, and you walk with me! Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!