December 01, 2021: SOAP #4381:  Romans 5-8

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 8:3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so, he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. 5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

OBSERVATION: A Mother knows that it is important to warn her child of the dangers in the room, but she also understands that he is focused on those things; they hold an attraction for him.  So, she, who has experienced the grief they can bring, now stays in the room with the child, and works to keep the child’s focus on herself and away from those things she knows are harmful.  Her presence is protection for her child.  Her wisdom is now available to the child.  Her experience and maturity are now available to guide and protect the child.  Her presence makes all the difference.

If she had just warned the child, then left the room, the child would soon wander into the forbidden area, but her watchful eye keeps him safe. Her warning teaches, but her presence insures!  How true of our walk with God.  God desires that we learn and grow in understanding, so He gives us His Word, the Bible.  God also knows that we need His watchful eye on us, so He gives us His Holy Spirit.

APPLICATION:  And in addition to all this, it is the joy of the mother to spend the time with her child, and so it is not grievous for God to spend the personal time with each of us!   He joys in us even as a mother in her children.  Let us be children that bring Him much joy!

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you know me so well!  You knew that I would need the instruction of the scriptures.  And you also knew that I would need your Holy Spirit dwelling in me to give me warning and encouragement.  Thank you! Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 30, 2021: SOAP #4380:  Romans 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.  17  For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

OBSERVATION: What is it about the Gospel that saves?  In the Gospel there is a righteousness that can become mine.  It replaces my unrighteousness and makes me eligible and acceptable for heaven!   It is nothing less than the righteousness of Jesus!

That righteousness is available, but it does me no good unless I know about it. I cannot find it out on my own.  Someone must bring the message to me.  That is what the Gospel does.  In the Gospel that righteousness is brought to my attention.  The Gospel is the Good News revealed to me!

That righteousness was procured on the cross by the death of God’s Son.  It is offered to me by grace, and I receive it through faith.  There is no payment required on my part.  I do not become more deserving of that righteousness as I progress through my Christian life. No, it is by faith from the first to the last!

APPLICATION:  So, faith is to be the mainstay of my life.  My conduct and conversation should show that I am trusting in God’s action taken on my behalf.  I should speak of my Heavenly Father in such terms that everyone knows my appreciation.  I should treat others with great grace for I am the recipient of even greater grace.  I keep my word because I am so grateful that He kept His Word!  I do everything to please Him, for He did so much for me!  I am not discouraged because my faith assures me that He Who has brought me this far will certainly not drop me now!

PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner.  I believe you love me and died for my sins.  Forgive me.  Be my Lord.  Live in my life.  Live your righteous life in me.  Thank you for forgiving me and sharing your life with me.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 29, 2021: SOAP #4379:  1Thesalonians 4-5; 2Thessalonians 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  1Thessalonians (NIV) 5:7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

OBSERVATION: The world is spiritually dark around us.  The darkness lulls people to sleep.  They are unaware of the trouble presently around us nor of that coming upon us.  Nighttime is when many in the world get drunk as a way of escaping their troubles.  Not only does it hinder them from dealing with their present troubles; it hinders them from dealing with the coming troubles.

Christ died that we might enjoy an eternal relationship with Him! We will enjoy this relationship whether we are living or have died. Whether we are awake (alive) or asleep (dead), we are alive with Him!   Even now in this life we “live together” with Him!  How much more in the life to come will we “live together” with Him!

APPLICATION:  There is a difference in who we are.  There is a difference in Whose we are!  There is a difference in our circumstances.  There is a difference in our understanding.  SO there should be a difference in how we live.  OTHERS are asleep, but let US be awake.  Living in the day, aware of the trouble around us, we should be self-controlled.  We carefully choose our actions and re-actions. We have authority over our bodies; we choose to act in ways honoring God.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, it brings me great joy to be your child!  May I bring you great joy in how I live as a child of the Most High God! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 28, 2021: SOAP #4378:  Matthew 28; 1Thessalonians 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  Yesterday’s verses: Matthew (NIV) 26:2 “As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
26:12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.   26:21 And while they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”  26:31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’  26:32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Today’s verses: Matthew (NIV) 28:5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 

OBSERVATION: Now it was over.  It had all happened “just as He said!”  Jesus made it through the hard times of the betrayal, the beatings, the crucifixion, to the victory of the resurrection.  I had happened “just as He said!” 

APPLICATION:  The importance of remembering what God has said cannot be over emphasized!   His words are reality before it happens.  His words are history before history happens. 

It is for me to listen and remember…to hear and to heed.  It is for me to think and talk and act like His words are true. 

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for speaking to me through your Word, through the ministries you have put in the church, through other believers, through circumstances, through nature, etc…  May I be listening as much as you are speaking!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 27, 2021: SOAP #4377:  Psalm 125; Matthew 26-27

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 26:2 “As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
26:12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.   26:21 And while they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”  26:31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’  26:32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

OBSERVATION: The verses above tell us what happened BEFORE Jesus’ arrest.  Jesus was aware of what was going to happen to Him!  He was not unaware of the suffering He was about to endure.  Neither was He unaware of the resurrection that would follow!  

APPLICATION:   In every valley I pass through in this life, God knows what is on the other side—even before I enter the valley!  As tough, or as long, as the struggle is, God knows that it is worthwhile. 

With the Victor of all struggles living inside me, I have confidence in His victory being enforced in my life.  But if my struggle leads me through death’s door, I should consider the following verses:   
Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
1Peter 4:13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
1Peter 5:1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow-elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, just as you are “faithful and just to forgive my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness,” you are also faithful and just to reward me for the suffering I have endured in walking with you through this earthly life.  It will be worth it all when we see you!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 26, 2021: SOAP #4376:  Matthew 23-25

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 24:42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

OBSERVATION: Jesus was speaking of His second coming to earth.  He gave two simple and specific directives: “Keep watch” and “be ready.”

“Keep watch” means to stay alert.  Be aware of what is happening around you.  Do not be surprised when evil raises its head.  Take action that sharpens your watching skills.  Do not be so focused on yourself that that the return of Jesus will overtake you by surprise. 

“Be ready” refers to any necessary action to needed to prepare for what is coming.  Jesus did not say, “Start getting ready,” He said, “BE ready!”  Live ready.  When it comes to the return of Jesus, do not procrastinate!  Do not put off till tomorrow what should be done today! 

APPLICATION:  Even if He does not come today for all His followers, He may come today for me!   I must “keep watch” and “be ready.”  I need to be alert and have confidence that my sins are forgiven and that He is the Lord of my life.   I want Him to find me obedient and doing what He has directed.

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for making it possible for me to be ready. I have accepted your death on the cross as the payment for my sins.  The Holy Spirit now dwells in my life to help me understand the Bible and to guide my daily life.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

November 25, 2021: SOAP #4375:  Matthew 20-22

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 22:29 Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.

OBSERVATION: Jesus was speaking to the Sadducees who were trying to trick Him by asking a question.  They were asking about the resurrection, but they did not believe there would be a resurrection!  Jesus answered their question about being married in heaven, and then from the scriptures proved the fact of the resurrection.  God, who is the God of the living, claims to be the God of those who had died long ago. 

If they had known the scriptures and the power of God, they would have no trouble believing in the resurrection!  

APPLICATION:  It is easy to get stumped on the issues of life when I do not know or forget what the scriptures say.  Then I cannot rely on what the Bible says, I cannot rely on the greatness of God.  I cannot rely on His omnipotence (all powerful).  I cannot rely on His omnipresence (present everywhere).  I cannot rely on His omniscience (all knowing).  In my thoughts, my problems become greater than my God.  I take more time thinking about my problems than about my God.  I forget that He works through ALL things for good!  I forget that He loves me enough to send Jesus to die for my sins.  How could I ever forget that!  

We cannot overemphasize the value of the scriptures and having a personal relationship with God.  God uses the scriptures to keep me from error.  The scriptures need to be a part of my active memory, always the dominant thought in my mind.  I need to see everything in relationship to my all-powerful God! 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, continue to remind me of what the Bible tells me.  Remind me of the power of God.  Remind me that God is for me!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 24, 2021: SOAP #4374:  Matthew 17-19

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 19:13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

OBSERVATION: There was nothing special about this place.  But, there was something very special about this place.  It is a place called “there!”  It is a place where Jesus paused and took time for little children.  It was a special place for Jesus because children were there!

This place became a special place to the parents.  Their children were their joy!  And Jesus validated their high opinion of their children!  They were important to Him also! 

This place also became a special place for the children.  For those too young to remember, their parents would point out this special place and tell them how the Lord of Glory had laid His hands on them.  For those old enough to remember, they would have special memories flooding their minds whenever they passed by this place. 

APPLICATION:  How unlike Jesus are people who do not take time for children! Children may be an interruption, but they are a divine interruption.  They carry the image of God with great potential!   

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, make me more like Jesus.  May I not be in such a hurry to move on from THERE when children are around.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 23, 2021: SOAP #4373:  Matthew 14-16

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 15:32 Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

OBSERVATION: This passage (verses 29-39), speaks to me much about Jesus and finances. 
1.  Jesus did not take this gathering as an opportunity to take an offering, even though He had provided a good meal. 
2.  Jesus was more interested in giving something to them than in getting something from them. 
3.  Jesus was more interested in the well-being of the multitude than in the finances of His ministry. 
4.  Jesus was more interested in what they already had in hand (7 loaves and a few little fish) rather than what they needed (enough to feed 4,000 men plus women and children). 
5.  Jesus started with what they already had in hand. 
6.  Their lack was useful in bringing much glory to God!

APPLICATION:  Jesus spoke a lot about money, but he never made an issue of people sending Him money. He never made people feel guilty about giving to motivate them to give more, so that He could do more. He taught about giving, not for His benefit, but for their benefit. Jesus was doing the will of His Heavenly Father; His Father provided the necessary resources. If I am doing the Father’s will, He will provide my resources too!  … and He does!

PRAYER:  Lord, you use finances to build my faith.  May my use of finances demonstrate my trust in you.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 22, 2021: SOAP #4372:  Matthew 11-13

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 11:25 At that time Jesus 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. 26 Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. [26 KJV Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.]

OBSERVATION: Jesus is speaking of something that pleases the Father—something that is “good in His sight.”  If our Heavenly Father has feelings that bring Him pleasure when He views something good, it makes me think that there are other things that bring him displeasure. 

In this passage, it is something that the Father does that brings Him pleasure.  He enjoys hiding things from the educated and those who seem to have all the answers, and revealing truth to His children. 

APPLICATION:  I am amazed at how people who seem so smart still believe in evolution!  I am amazed at how educated people can demonstrate to save baby animals yet support the killing of baby humans! 

Obvious truths regarding sexual and gender issues seem difficult for some educated people to acknowledge.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, it is such an honor to be your child.  It is an honor to walk and talk with you.  It an honor that you reveal your truth and give me understanding.  I want to bring you pleasure in how I share your revelations with others.  I want to make you smile.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!