In reading the assigned passages, I came across this SOAP from 2010. Among so many possibilities for today’s SOAP, my heart is stirred to repeat this one.
Stuck in the middle of a historical passage, we have a nugget of pure gold. It is not about era in which King Asa lived—not about the social/economic/political events. It has to do with the nature of the One Who created all things and how He interacts with those He has created.
SCRIPTURE: 2Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him….
OBSERVATION: What is He doing? He is continually scanning the earth. He is keeping an eye on His creation. There is not a thing that He misses. Nothing can hide from Him!
What is He looking for? He is looking for those “whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” He looks beyond actions to the heart. It is out of the heart that actions come.
What does He want to do? He wants to strengthen those hearts. He blesses the good heart with even more good. When He sees a person whose heart is going in the right direction, He encourages them by providing extra strength to fulfill His righteous desires.
APPLICATION: I need to be reminded that God is looking at my heart. Sometimes I erroneously think that He is like people around me who can only see what I do. People criticize my failures, but a merciful God sees my heart. He loves me! People laud my accomplishments, but a holy God sees my heart. I cannot fool Him!
PRAYER: Lord, as your eyes “range throughout the earth,” I know you see me. My heart is yours. Strengthen me to do your will. Amen.
Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!
On Facebook: Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
SOAPs by Pastor Leon 