July 17, 2020: SOAP #3879:  Isaiah 29-31; James 1

Scripture:  Isaiah (NIV) 30:1 “Woe to the obstinate children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin;2 who go down to Egypt without consulting me; who look for help to Pharaoh’s protection, to Egypt’s shade for refuge. 3 But Pharaoh’s protection will be to your shame, Egypt’s shade will bring you disgrace.

Observation:  God was speaking to His people who were looking to Egypt to help them from being attacked by the Assyrians.  They saw their enemy.  They considered their own strength.  Obviously, they needed help.  So off they went to Egypt.  They did not even take time to check with the LORD God who had a great history of delivering and saving the Israelites!  

Looking back, we wonder how it happened that they did not first have a time of fasting in seeking the Lord’s help.  Looking back, we can easily understand God taking offense at their snub. 

Application:   Looking ahead, I need to make seeking God’s will the first thing I do!   Looking ahead, I need to make sure I do not offend the God who sent His Son to die for my sins! 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, may your thoughts about me not be offensive to you, but be a source of joy in your heart.  Knowing that I have made you smile is my reward.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

July 16, 2020: SOAP #3878:  Isaiah 25-28; Hebrews 13

Scripture:  Isaiah (NIV) 25:1 O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago. 2 You have made the city a heap of rubble, the fortified town a ruin, the foreigners’ stronghold a city no more; it will never be rebuilt. 3 Therefore strong peoples will honor you; cities of ruthless nations will revere you.

Observation:  In our world we often see people trying to re-write history.  They do not like some of the things of the past, so they try to erase them—re-writing history as if those things never happened or meant something different.  They re-write history to support their point of view. 

But God deals with history in “perfect faithfulness.”  Two characteristics of God assure us that His version of history is completely true. 

The first is a moral characteristic:  He is holy.  He speaks only truth.  It is impossible for God to lie.  He can be trusted to speak the truth. 

The second is a natural characteristic:  He is eternal.  His is eternally present.  He was there when it happened; He is here to tell us about it.  It was not another God 100 or 1000 years ago.  He was the God present then; He is the God present now!  He was present at creation; He is present now. 

Application:  My mind wonders:  will there be a classroom in heaven where the Holy Spirit will reveal to us the hidden mysteries in the Bible.  A time and place where we will learn why that Greek word was used in stead of another one.  Will there be an explanation of why this was included and that was not included?  I wonder!    

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, You are the eternal and perfectly holy God.  Holy Spirit, you inspired those writing the scriptures; inspire me as I read them.  Reveal truth to me, I pray, Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

July 15, 2020: SOAP #3877:  Isaiah 22-24; Hebrews 12

Scripture:  Hebrews (NIV) 12:18  You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm…
21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”
22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Observation:   The writer of Hebrews reminded his Jewish readers of their time at Mount Saini where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments.  It was a terrifying sight they saw as they stood at the bottom of the mount.  But now through Jesus, we do not come to a terrifying, fiery, smokey Mount Sinai, but we come to Mount Zion and to “thousands upon thousands of angels in JOYFUL assembly!”

Application:  Today Sharon had two small girls in our home.  They had been here in the past but had not seen each other for over a year.  The toys Sharon keeps ready for such times were scattered in the living room, the dining room, and on the kitchen floor.  They played in the spare bedroom and in the basement.  Their laughter could be heard as they ran in the hall from room to room.  And Sharon loved every minute of it.  They filled our house with joyful noise. 

If two young girls, “in joyful assembly,” can make that much noise, I can only imagine how it sounds when “thousands upon thousands of angels” are joined in “joyful” assembly! 

Prayer:  Lord, if anyone deserves a joy filled home, it is You!  Not only in heaven, but here on earth, in my home.  Holy Spirit, help me live today in a joy-filled home.  May I feel right at home when I get to heaven. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

July 14, 2020: SOAP #3876:  Isaiah 19-21; Hebrews 11

Scripture:  Hebrews (NIV) 11:39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.

Observation:  Each lived in a different time, each had a unique challenge. Yet, they ALL were commended for their faith!  Each one was faithful in their place and time.  God’s plan stretched over the span of time they all lived—and it continues over today.  God is still commending people who are faithful meeting the challenges of today.  Those now in heaven are still waiting.  The full reward will not be received until all who have, and all who are, and all who will be faithful in God’s plan are gathered in heaven!   What a day that will be!!!

Application:   My place in this world is to be faithful in fulfilling my assignment in God’s overall plan.  My part today is just as important as those of other generations.  If I die before Jesus returns for His church, I will join the Old Testament saints in waiting for the full reward God will give to His complete body.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, find me faithful serving my generation I pray. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

July 13, 2020: SOAP #3875:  Isaiah 15-18; Hebrews 10

Scripture:  Hebrews (NIV) 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Observation:   For hope to be beneficial, it must have a good foundation.  Hope is only as good as the foundation on which it rests.  My hope does not rest on my good works, by my abilities, my understanding. 

Faith is being certain of the specifics God has spoken to us.  Hope is the basic confidence that everything will work out for good.  It is a positive attitude.  It is knowing that God will bring all things together, both good and bad things.  He will bring them together and work them together for my good.  (Romans 8:28)

Application:  Some people cannot carry the weight of hope that others place on them.   At times the weight of hope that I place on myself is too heavy for me to carry.  I must let the weight of expectation rest upon Him.  I must remember, it is not what others expect, but what He expects.  Others with expectations for me may not be able to help me.  BUT God is faithful to help me with the expectations He has for me! 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I can always have hope because I know you are faithful.  You have promised to be with me.  You remain true to your character and promises. I may not know the specifics, but I know you!  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

July 12, 2020: SOAP #3874:  Isaiah 11-14; Hebrews 9

Scripture:  Hebrews (NIV) 9:14  How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! 

Observation: Bringing a sacrifice for sin in the Old Testament days did not cleanse me from that sin.  It only reminded me that sin brought death—death to the sacrificed animal.  That sacrifice did nothing to relieve the sense of guilt or the weight of my guilty conscience.   It was my sin, and it was my sacrifice.  There was no sacrifice I could ever make to atone for my sin.  I needed someone to do for me what I could not do for myself. 

Like the song we used to sing in Hawaii: “I owed a debt I could not pay; He paid a debt He did not owe.  I needed someone to wash my sins away.  And now I sing a brand-new song, Amazing Grace.  Christ Jesus paid the debt that I could never pay!”  (unknown) 

Application:  There is no sacrifice that I could bring to make me un-guilty.  But when I stop justifying myself and admit that I am guilty, the forgiveness that comes from Jesus’ sacrifice of Himself of the cross cleans me from all unrighteousness.  I am justified.  In God’s eyes (the only eyes that matter) I am declared un-guilty!  It is AMAZING! 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, there is nothing I could ever give you to match the value you gave for me.  Thank you for reminding me of the great love you showed me at Calvary.  I give my life to you—to serve you, the Living God.  Holy Spirit, help me show my love by living a life that honors the Father and pleases the Son.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

July 11, 2020: SOAP #3873:  Isaiah 8-10; Hebrews 8

Scripture:  Isaiah (NIV) 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Observation:   What a wonderful prophetic scripture about the birth of Jesus 2000+ years ago and about His coming reign as King.   Singing verse six has become one of my favorite Christmas song.  But today, the last phrase of verse seven captured my attention. 

In sending His Son, God did it because He wanted to.  It was His joy!  He was accomplishing something of great value to Him.  It was His pleasure to redeem His creation, even though it cost Him so dearly. 

The zeal of the LORD Almighty accomplished the first coming of Jesus as a baby; it will also accomplish His second coming as King of kings and Lord of lords!  

Application:  In amazing wisdom, God’s perfect holiness and intense love came together to accomplish His perfect plan.  His zeal drove Him to make the perfect plan to raise a body of believers to rule and reign with His Son.  His zeal moved him to send Jesus.  His zeal will send Him back to gather those who have honored Him. His zeal is working even now to prepare for the return of Jesus!   Are you ready?  

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, zeal provides motivation, anticipation, and great rejoicing when the goal has been reached.  I am looking forward to the great celebration Your zeal is planning when we all gather around Your throne.  What a day that will be!  Amen!

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

July 10, 2020: SOAP #3872:  Micah 5-7; Hebrews 7

Scripture:  Micah (NIV) 7:7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

Observation:   As the prophet comes to the end of his prophecy about the judgment of God coming to Israel, he makes a personal statement.  “But as for me…”  Trouble is ahead; judgment is coming; “but as for me…”   He had thought about it.  He had faith that God was worth waiting for.  God would hear him. The prophet had a plan of how he would face the future. 

God had clearly led me to leave Bible College and join the US Navy.  After boot camp and hospital corps school, the Navy sent me to Camp Pendleton for training to serve with the US Marine Corps.  Then about a year later, I arrived in Viet Nam.   With my understanding of what lie ahead for me, I had a “But as for me…” talk with God.  What should I do when confronted by the enemy?  I could not wait until the heat of the battle to decide if I would use the 45-pistol assigned to me.  Having determined my course of action, I had peace about whatever was ahead.  I had a plan of faith.

Application:   Troubled times are ahead for our nation and for the world.  Troubled times are ahead for believers.  I need to be prepared to face what is ahead.  To be prepared, I must be walking in step with my Lord.  Since nothing takes Him by surprise, He will make sure I have been prepared.  More than that, He has promised to be with me. We—He and I—are in this life together!  I have a faith plan.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I do not know what is ahead, “but as for me” I am counting on your presence.  I am counting on you to keep Your Word.  “But as for me,” I will fear no evil, for you are with me!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

July 09, 2020: SOAP #3871:  Micah 1-4; Hebrews 6

Scripture:  Hebrews (NIV) 6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.
4  It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, 6 if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.

Observation:   Chapter 6 continues with the subject of maturing.   In the first three verses we see steps in the progression of maturity.  In the next three verses we see the danger of not progressing in maturity and falling back. 

It is not how we start our life as a believer; it is how we finish.  To fall back as we progress toward maturity can have dangerous consequences.  To deny the truth we previously confessed leads to breaking faith in other areas of life.  To forget terribleness of sin and the great cost Jesus paid for our forgiveness and redemption leads us to think that sin is no big deal. 

Application:   Jesus emphasized the need for us to “continue” and to “abide” in our relationship.  God knew how hard that would be, so He sent the promised Holy Spirit to dwell in us!  God has taken the lead in making sure we can move ahead in our relationship.  Treat the Holy Spirit like He is your best friend riding in the car with you.  Talk to Him about everything.  Listen to Him.  Value His input.   

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, Share my daily life.  I need your continued presence and input.  Lead me on a path of maturing to become a more-profitable servant of God. Check me when I start to slip back.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

July 08, 2020: SOAP #3870:  Hosea 13-14; Psalm 100, 102; Hebrews 5

Scripture:  Hebrews (NIV) 5:13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Observation:   Becoming a Christian and growing as a Christian is like our growth as a human.  As an infant we begin on mother’s milk.  Soon our parents introduce us to baby food.   We do even know what we should be eating.  Our parents make all the food decisions for us (and all other decisions too!)  From the first bite of baby food that our parents placed in our mouth, they knew that in six months to a year we would begin picking up our own food and placing it in our mouths.  They fully expected a day would come when we would not need their help eating our meals.  More maturity comes as we train ourselves on what is good and what is bad for our individual bodies. 

Application:   The Word of God is food for each believer.  The more a believer reads and meditates on the word the better they, with the help of the Holy Spirit, TRAIN THEMSELVES to distinguish good from evil.  When the pastor preaches to the “baby believers” and mature believers are not getting “fed,” it is no problem—they know how to feed themselves!  They can spend time praying for the anointing on the pastor to spiritually feed the younger believers.  They are mature!  They did not go to church to get fed, they went to church already fed.  They went to church to be a blessing rather than to get a blessing.  They may not have an official ministry position in the church, but they know they are on the Holy Spirit Ministry Team!  

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, lead me into the Bible where I find the food necessary to be active on the Holy Spirit Ministry Team.  Then make me a blessing everywhere I go. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!