Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 24, 2023: SOAP #4920: 1Kings 9; 2Chronicles 8; Psalm 136; Romans 5

SCRIPTURE:  1Kings (NIV) 9:4 “As for you, if you walk before me in integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, 5 I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’
6 “But if you or your sons turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, 7 then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. Israel will then become a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples. 8 And though this temple is now imposing, all who pass by will be appalled and will scoff and say, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’ 9 People will answer, ‘Because they have forsaken the LORD their God, who brought their fathers out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshipping and serving them—that is why the LORD brought all this disaster on them.’”

OBSERVATION:  After Solomon had finished building the temple, God, The Great Promise Keeper, gave Solomon two promises.  The first in verses 4 and 5 above and the second in verses 6 through 9.  Which promise would be fulfilled depended on a very small word—if.  The promises were conditional. 

Much of Israels history can be understood within the confines of how they did their part!   God always remained true to His Word—to His promises. 

APPLICATION:  God continues to act according to His Word.  He remains “The Great Promise Keeper!”  His faithfulness to His Word can be a great blessing to me; or it can be a great hardship.  It is for me to choose. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, help me be honest when I read the Bible.  When I start to ignore what makes me uncomfortable, keep it on my mind and in my thoughts. Help me see Your hand moving in my life, in my nation, and in the world according to Your promises.  Oh, Lord, I am confident that you are faithful; help me be faithful too.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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