October 12, 2021: SOAP #4331:  Nehemiah 7-8; Acts 1

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 1:6 So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

OBSERVATION: Reading the above reminded me of a friend who told me, “I know that there is a God; and I know that I am not Him!”   There are things not for me; but there are things for me. 

APPLICATION:  I am not designed to be able to carry the burden of knowing when certain prophecies will be fulfilled.  But there are things planned specifically for me.  Jesus came to save me.  The Holy Spirit came to empower me! 

God is not depending on my strength and wisdom.  He knows that I cannot make it by myself.  God is depending on the presence and ministry of the Holy Spirit working in and through me!  As I grow in Christ, I too will come not to depend on my strength and wisdom.  I too will come to live a life depending on the Holy Spirit! 

In God’s plan, my weaknesses are valuable.  When God works through me He does things that everyone knows I could not do.  Everyone must recognize that God is at work and give Him the glory! 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, make me a vessel you can flow through.  Use my life to demonstrate your presence and your power.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

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! 

October 10, 2021: SOAP #4329:  Nehemiah 3-4; Luke 23

SCRIPTURE:  Nehemiah (NIV) 4:6 So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.

OBSERVATION: Israel had been taken into captivity because of their sins.  Nehemiah had risen to a place of service to the King.  Nehemiah heard a report of his home city that caused his heart to grieve.  The king noted Nehemiah’s sad disposition and agreed to send Nehemiah back to Jerusalem with a group of volunteers; their assignment: to rebuild the city of Jerusalem.  Back at Jerusalem, they faced challenges and opposition…but “the people worked with all their heart.”

God had plans for Jerusalem.  The Messiah would walk the streets of that city.  Outside Jerusalem, the Messiah would sacrifice His life to pay for the sins of the world!  God would not allow this city to remain in ruins!

APPLICATION:  They succeeded because: 
1.  They were working in accordance with God’s plan. 
2.  They had godly leadership who had a passion from God. 
3.  They worked together, each building the part of the wall assigned to them.  4. They “worked with all their heart.” 
5.  They did not allow the opposition to change their vision. 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, rekindle the fire of passion in my/our hearts.  Keep me/us on track when opposition or challenges arise. I make your assignment to me the most important thing I do.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 09, 2021: SOAP #4328:  Nehemiah 1-2; Psalm 133-134; Luke 22

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 133: 1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!  2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life for evermore.

OBSERVATION: Unity: such a big subject for such a short chapter!  It is good and pleasant for the believers who are a part of God’s work to live together in unity.  It requires willingness to put others first.  It requires being able to forgive and to ask forgiveness. 

It is good and pleasant for unbelievers to see how we love and serve each other.  Unity is not uniformity.  In unity we use our differences to serve one another.  Our differences help determine our ministry/service.  Jesus said that the world would know that we are his disciples because we love each other.  Our love is seen by what we do for each other. 

It is good and pleasant for our Heavenly Father to have his family walking in agreement, loving one another and serving one another as God has done for us. 

APPLICATION:  Since it is God’s will for me to live in unity with my brothers and sisters, it must be a priority for me.  Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Knowing that my relationship with my brothers and sisters in Christ affects my witness to the world motivates me to not allow offences to fester. 

But my main motivation comes from bringing joy to my Heavenly Father.  I want to do things that make Him smile. 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, you are the One that teaches me and guides me into living in unity with my brothers and sisters.  I need your help.  Make me a blessing, I pray.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 08, 2021: SOAP #4327:  Ezra 9-10; Psalm 131; Luke 21

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 21:1 As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

OBSERVATION: Jesus saw everything they saw, and then He saw more.  The rich were proud of their offering.  They knew that the people would be impressed.  The widow did not give to impress anyone.  No one would be impressed by the size of her offering.  She gave because she wanted to give.  She did not expect anyone to pay her any attention, BUT SOMEONE was watching! 

APPLICATION:  Jesus watches what I give, but He also watches how I give.  He watches how I serve, and He also watches my attitude.  He watches my heart.  Do I do give to be seen or because I love?  Is my arm twisted or do I have a willing heart?    

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, may my love for you be seen in my worship, my giving and my serving.  May you be pleased with the way I treat others.  May your heart rejoice as you see me doing those things that please you.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

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October 07, 2021: SOAP #4326:  Ezra 7-8; Luke 20

SCRIPTURE:  Ezra (NIV) 8:22 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.  …
31 On the twelfth day of the first month we set out from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he protected us from enemies and bandits along the way.

OBSERVATION: Now it was time to begin the journey to Jerusalem.  They carried silver and gold and articles for the temple. (Verse, 25) These would make them a target for bandits along the way.  Having the presence of soldiers and horsemen would be comforting.  BUT Ezra had bragged about the goodness and greatness of God to King Artaxerxes.  Asking for a protective escort now would indicate that Ezra really did not believe God was good enough and great enough to take care of those doing His will!!!  

APPLICATION:  If I claim that my God is more than able to meet my needs…  If I claim that my God has unlimited resources…  If I claim my God is my Heavenly Father who cares for me…  then what does it say to people when I beg them for those things that God has promised to provide for me?   Do I really believe my God is able and willing to help me?   Like Ezra, help me care about the character of God that I am portraying to the world? 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, help me put my faith and confession into practice.  Help me to trust God to be all I have taught others that He is.  Although you may use people to meet my needs, may they do so only in response to you.  Let the pressure in me to meet any needs be expressed in faith toward you and not in pleading with people.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 06, 2021: SOAP #4325:  Esther 9-10; Luke 19

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 19:30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no-one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’” 32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them.  33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it.

OBSERVATION: The two disciples sent ahead into the village found it just as Jesus said.  And when they followed the simple directions He had given, it worked out just as He said. 

They did not let any “what if” questions detour them from their mission. “What if” there is no colt?  “What if” the owners will not let it go?  They moved ahead in simple obedience. 

They had no control over the location of the colt.  They had no control over the response of the owners.  They only had control over their actions. 

They were faithful to do what they could do.  The Holy Spirit was faithful to do what only He could do. 

APPLICATION:  The task ahead of me may be great.  I have many questions about how it can ever happen.  But what is obvious to me, is obvious to God.  God knows the task is greater than my abilities.  He knows He has given me more than I can accomplish, so He just expects me to be faithful in doing the small part.  My part is to be faithful in doing what I can do. 

When I use my voice, my strength, my money, my knowledge, etc. to do His will, He will use His voice, His strength, His resources, His wisdom, etc. to fill up what is lacking!  

PRAYER: When I call you, “Lord,” it means that what is in my control is really in your control.  As I obey you with what is in my control, I can be assured that you will be responsible for that which is beyond my control.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 05, 2021: SOAP #4324:  Esther 3-8; Luke 18 (rework of #2863)

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 18:17 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Luke (NIV) 18:29 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to them, “no-one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God  30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.”
Luke (NIV) 18:41 “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. 42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

Observation:  The Kingdom of God has much to do with sacrificial giving, but it also has much to do with receiving!  In this chapter receiving is how we possess the Kingdom of God.  We take possession of rewards in this life and in the age to come.  And sight was restored as the blind man received his healing. 

A child cannot earn the kingdom; they can only receive it.  A small child does not understand the value of any gift he has just received.  He does not understand the sacrifice that might have been required to give the gift.  He just receives it and enjoys it. 

Sowing and reaping is like giving and receiving.   Being a giver leads to becoming a receiver. 

Application:    Giving is an act of obedience and faith.   Faith is the channel for receiving. (Note: John 1:12)   To receive a gift, I reach out with my hands and take possession.  To receive a gift from the Lord, I reach out with my faith and draw it into my life.  I receive God’s gifts in the same way I receive a compliment from a friend.  I say, “Thank you.”

Prayer:   Lord, thank you for giving us the desire to give and for providing for us so we can give.  As we receive from what has been sowed You enable us to give even more.  Thank you for the joy of giving and receiving from you.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 04, 2021: SOAP #4323:  Esther 1-2; Psalm 150; Luke 17

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 17:7 “Suppose one of you had a servant ploughing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? 8 Would he not rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? 9 Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do?
10 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”

OBSERVATION: There are so many benefits in our relationship with the Lord.  He provides cleansing from sin.  He meets our needs.  He has made promises to us in His Word.  He responds to our faith.  He serves us in so many ways.  Sometimes we may forget that we are servants and He is LORD! 

From these verses Jesus shows us some key things for servants.  They are to be useful to the Master.  They have learned to recognize the Master’s voice and as he tells them.  They put the Master’s desire above their own desires.  They do everything they are told and consider it as “only doing their duty!”

APPLICATION:  A servant is only as useful to the Master as he is obedient to do the Master’s directions.  A servant can only be obedient to the Master’s bidding as he learns to recognize the Master’s voice.  A servant can only learn to recognize the Master’s voice by spending time with the Master.  A servant can learn what is in the Master’s heart by reading and meditating on the Master’s written word. 

PRAYER: Master/Lord, forgive me for complaining about some things you have ask me to do. Help me to recognize your voice more clearly, to acknowledge what you are saying to me, and to quickly respond. Holy Spirit, keep helping me in these areas. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 03, 2021: SOAP #4322:  Ezra 5-6; Psalm 138; Luke 16

SCRIPTURE:  Ezra (NIV) 6:21 So the Israelites who had returned from the exile ate it, together with all who had separated themselves from the unclean practices of their Gentile neighbors in order to seek the LORD, the God of Israel.
22 For seven days they celebrated with joy the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because the LORD had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria, so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.

OBSERVATION:   The joy they had, came from the Lord!  “The LORD had filled them with joy!”  But what interested me is how the Lord brought the joy.

The continuation of the reconstruction of the temple in Jerusalem had threatened by enemies of the Jews.  A search had been made by Assyrian King Darius to determine if a decree had previously been made by King Cyrus.  Yes, it was found.  Then King Darius increased support for the Jews.  He encouraged them on to completion.  He assisted them.  The reconstruction was complete; and they celebrated Passover (the Feast of Unleavened Bread) with rejoicing that King Darius had changed his attitude. 

APPLICATION:   The Lord has MANY ways to fill me with joy.  Sometimes it is what He shows me in His word.  Sometimes it is what He does for me.  But it may also be through what others do that affects me, or what they do for me. 

A card, a word of encouragement, or a helping hand can make a heart smile.  An act of appreciation or kindness can insert joy into someone’s heart and encourage them to finish their task. 

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for using others to bring joy to my heart.  I pray that you use me to bring joy to others. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!