March 05, 2021: SOAP #4110:  Deuteronomy 1-2; Mark 12

SCRIPTURE:  Mark 12:42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

OBSERVATION: Giving is such an important part of our lives.  We do not have the ability to see the true value of a gift.  But Jesus does.  The widow’s gift got His attention!  He made sure His disciples realized the value of this gift!   

The truth is, if anyone needed to give, it was her.  She needed to sow a seed to reap a harvest.  Her giving gained the attention of the greatest Giver, Jesus!  This poor widow became the most talked about, the most read about money giver in the history of man!     

APPLICATION: No one is too poor to give.  I do not have to wait until I have more to become a giver.  I must start with what I have, no matter how small.  The poorer I am, the more I need to give! 

Some people want others to give to their need.  They pray for God to multiply what they receive from others.  In God’s economy, He does not multiply what others give me; He multiplies what I give! 

It is not the seed I eat, but the seed I sow that produces next year’s harvest.  It is not what I keep for myself, but what I give away that produces my harvest. 

PRAYER: Lord, I know you watch me give. I pray that my giving brings you joy!  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

March 04, 2021: SOAP #4109:  Numbers 34-36; Mark 11

SCRIPTURE:  Numbers (NIV) 34:1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 “Command the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you enter Canaan, the land that will be allotted to you as an inheritance will have these boundaries: 3 “‘Your southern side will include some of the Desert of Zin along the border of Edom. On the east, your southern boundary will start from the end of the Salt Sea,…

OBSERVATION: The Lord promised the land to Abraham.  Through the years, God repeated the promise several times.  When Jacob died in Egypt, he arranged to be buried in the “Promised Land”/Canaan.  God miraculously delivered the Israelites from Egypt and miraculously led them to where they were about to enter the “Promised Land”/Canaan.  Joseph made sure His bones would be carried out of Egypt to be buried in the land God had promised Israel. 

It was a specific land, with boundaries set by God.  As they honored God by keeping His laws, inside the boundaries they would find God’s Presence, God’s Protection, and God’s Provision.  The boundaries set the limitations for God’s promises. 

APPLICATION:  When God calls me today, He sets boundaries.  Sometimes the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence and I want to move out of the boundaries God has given.  But if I want God’s provision, I must stay within the boundaries He has set.  If I am faithful, He may enlarge my boundaries. 

SOAPs started as personal devotions.  As I was faithful in the few people that were interested, God enlarged the boundaries to India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, and other Asian countries.  For ten years I remained faithful in daily posting what God gave me each day.  Then last year, Pastor Andrew in Sierra Leone became interested in the SOAPs.  Through printing and sharing, through the medium of Facebook, the SOAPs they have now spread into 5 or 6 African countries. 

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for the boundaries you gave me, and thank you for expanding those boundaries.  Thank you for your promise, your presence, your provision and protection.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

March 03, 2021: SOAP #4108:  Numbers 32-33; Mark 10

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 10:35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” 38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”

OBSERVATION:  James and John were wanting a guarantee that Jesus would do what they want.  There are times we would all like such a guarantee.  But such a pre-request is probably a good indication that we have no idea about what we are really asking. 

Could Jesus give such a guarantee?  Of course.  But He knows what would accompany the answer to such a question.  He knows the pain and heartache that the answer we want would bring.  So, in love and kindness, at times He says “No.” 

APPLICATION:  Here we see Jesus getting questions like we all get occasionally.  Will you do me a favor?  Can I ask you a question?  Will you help me?  We might be inclined to answer, “Yes,” but we have no idea of what they are asking.  Especially for people who dislike saying, “no,” such a question puts them in an uncomfortable position.  It is good to get the details before agreeing. 

I have found that the only one to whom I can give a “yes” answer without knowing the full question is Jesus!   I can trust Him.  He will only ask me to do what is good for me.  And if it gets too hard for me, which it often does, He is always available and willing to do it through me!   Many times, He already knows that doing what He asks is beyond my strength and ability.  He is asking me to do something that will prove that He is trustworthy to help me. 

PRAYER: Lord, I know I can trust you.  You will not ask me to do something that you are not willing to do through me!  Your presence guarantees my success.   Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

March 02, 2021: SOAP #4107:  Numbers 30-31; Mark 9

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 9:37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

OBSERVATION:  We can look at ministry to children as though we are bringing Jesus to them.  We think that when they accept us, they are accepting Jesus.   But that is not what this verse says.  It is not when they welcome us, they welcome Jesus.  It is when we welcome them, we welcome Jesus!

APPLICATION: When I minister to children, I should expect Jesus to reveal Himself to me in special ways.  I need to expect to see and hear Jesus talking to me through the children I have welcomed into my life.  What I do to children, Jesus takes personally.  And what I do to Jesus, the Father takes personally!   Sometimes I act as though my ministry to children is a blessing to the children.  It is really a blessing to me!

God works by faith, by faith in His word.  As we minister to children, we should remind the Lord that we believe this verse!   We should activate our faith by expecting to experience God’s presence and unique working in our lives. 

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for reminding me of this truth.  I expect to find you working in my life in special ways because I minister to children. Thank you for the privilege of being a school bus driver these past 11 years.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

March 01, 2021: SOAP #4105:  Numbers 28-29; Mark 8

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 8:13 Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side. 14 The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15 “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” 16 They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.” 17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied. 20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.” 21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

OBSERVATION:  Jesus had fed 4000 men with only 7 loaves and a few fish. (verse 9) Then Jesus gets into a boat and goes to Dalmanutha where the Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign from heaven.  Feeding 4000 men was not enough for them!   Back in the boat, Jesus tells the disciples to be careful about the “yeast” of the Pharisees.  Since they had only one loaf of bread with them, they thought Jesus was talking about them not having enough bread! 

After just witnessing what Jesus had done with 7 loaves, why should the disciples be worried about having only one loaf!!!  

APPLICATION:  After what the Lord has done for me, it is illogical to be alarmed about any current circumstances.  What I have “in my boat” is more than enough for Jesus to meet my current need!  

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, forgive me for getting alarmed or upset about the needs I am facing.  What you have done in the past gives me assurance that you will take care of me.  As I walk in obedience to you, I know I can trust you to provide. Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

February 27, 2021: SOAP #4104:  Numbers 24-27; 1Corinthians 13

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 13:4b Love…does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

OBSERVATION:  Love rejoices in the good that happens to others and the good things they have.  In being other-centered, love does not desire to possess what belongs to the other. 

And as it rejoices in the success of others, neither does it brag about its own accomplishments.  Love uses the word “I” sparingly. 

Love is humble, not proud.  If someone else gets credit for what love has accomplished through me, love refuses to make it an issue.  All that matters is for God to be glorified. 

APPLICATION:  Love in me does not envy what others have.  Love in me does not boast about how much better what I can do is better than what others can do.  Love in me does not see myself as more valuable than others. 

I rejoice in the love God has for me.  But does God rejoice in the love I have for others?  That is a question worthy of consideration!    

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, do you feel at home as you live in my heart.  Is it easy for you to express your love through me? Stretch my ability to love.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

February 27, 2021: SOAP #4104:  Numbers 21-23; Mark 6-7

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 7:34 He [Jesus] looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!”). 35 At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened, and he began to speak plainly. 36 Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. 37 People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

OBSERVATION: The crowd gathered around Jesus was “overwhelmed with amazement!”  Two things made Jesus attractive to the people: teaching and miracles.  Both were the working of the Holy Spirit through Jesus.  Jesus had emptied Himself of His divinity to live as a man on earth.  But He did not live as just a man…He lived and taught and ministered as a man anointed by the Holy Spirit. 

APPLICATION:  The same Holy Spirit that anointed Jesus is with us today.  Spirit anointed teaching and Spirit empowered ministry will draw people today as in Jesus’ day.

The world where I live today needs the presence of a church that is filled with the Holy Spirit and continuing the ministry of Jesus.  The Same One who gave the great commission told them to wait in Jerusalem, not to go into all the world, UNTIL they had received power from the Holy Spirit.  (Acts 1:4-8)

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, as you anointed Jesus, anoint believers today.  As you empowered Jesus and as you empowered the early church, empower believers today. Use us for your glory.  Use me for your glory.  Amen 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

February 26, 2021: SOAP #4103:  Numbers 19-20; Psalm 28; Mark 5

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 5:35 While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” 36 Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

OBSERVATION: One of the great benefits of walking close to Jesus is that He hears everything we hear.  Jesus heard the report that Jairus’ daughter was dead.  Jesus was quick to speak faith into Jairus.  The men from home reported the facts as they knew them.  Jesus was aware of other facts!  The facts of aerodynamics lift a heavy plane into the air, over-riding the fact of gravity.  And the facts of Jesus power would over-ride the fact of death!  

Jesus words inspired faith in Jairus as he continued his way back home with Jesus by his side!  He brought Jesus into his house and into the room where his daughter’s body lay.  And we all know the rest of the story! 

APPLICATION:  The benefit of having a close relationship with the Holy Spirit (whom Jesus sent to take His place with us) is that He hears everything I hear.  And He can quickly respond to the faith-destroying reports brought to me by others.  He is not discouraged by bad reports!  He can quickly speak faith-building truth into my heart and mind.  It is to my benefit to maintain a continual relationship with the Holy Spirit. 

PRAYER:  Lord, as you walked with Jairus that day, so you have sent the Holy Spirit to walk with me, to hear what I hear, and to speak truth.  Experiencing His presence dispels my fear; hearing His words causes my faith to grow!  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

February 25, 2021: SOAP #4102:  Numbers 17-18; Psalm 29; Mark 4

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 4:35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” … 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

OBSERVATION: What a wonderful thing—to have Jesus in our boat in a storm.  We often do not know when, but we can be sure storms will come.  And it is so good to hear Jesus speak to the storm.  He is the “storm stiller.”  He is the “peace speaker.”

Jesus had something to say to the storm.  But He also had something to say to the disciples!  

What he said to the disciples referred to what He had said before speaking to the storm.  It referred to what He had said before they got into the boat.  It referred to what He had said before there was a storm. 

He chided them for being afraid and having no faith.  I think He was saying, “Don’t you remember I said, ‘Let us go over to the other side!’”

APPLICATION:  The storms I face are not a surprise to God!  Often it is His very leading that brings me into the storm.  He knows it is coming and leads me right into the center of the storm.  He is not trying to destroy me, but to grow my faith.  He does not expect that I will be able to handle the storm, He expects that I will trust Him to handle the storm.  I can stay calm because I remember what He said before getting into the boat!  “Let us…”

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, keep reminding me of what you said to me before the tough time I face.  I am looking for these times to be opportunities for your greatness to be seen.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

February 24, 2021: SOAP #4101:  Numbers 14-16; Mark 3

SCRIPTURE:  Numbers (NIV) 14:2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! 3 Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?”

26 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron: 27 “How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites. 28 So tell them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you the very things I heard you say: 29 In this desert your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me.

OBSERVATION:  The GOD who had promised to deliver them from Egypt, and WHO had done so…  That same God promised to give them victory over the people in Canaan.  And He did that very thing 40 years later, just not to this generation. 

Did they not know that this God could hear?  Did they not know that this God had feelings?  This God heard them grumbling and complaining and He became angry!   After all He had done for them, it was a rational response!    

APPLICATION:  Do I not know that Israel’s God is my God?  Do I not know that He can hear me too?  Do I not know that my words can have a powerful effect on Him?  He is blest by my praise and worship.  He enjoys my expressions of love.  He likes it when I depend on Him and bring my needs to Him.  He likes to be believed. 

The words I speak can be a blessing to God or hurtful. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you hear all the hurtful things people say about you; they accuse you of every evil thing.  I desire that my words be a balm to your hurts.  May you enjoy listening to me.  May you enjoy answering my prayers.  May you know that I will be thankful.  May you be blessed by my praise.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!