June 27, 2020: SOAP #3859:  2Kings 13,14; 2Chronicles 25; 2Timothy 3

Scripture:  2Chronicles (NIV) 25:6 He also hired a hundred thousand fighting men from Israel for a hundred talents of silver. 7 But a man of God came to him and said, “O king, these troops from Israel must not march with you, for the LORD is not with Israel—not with any of the people of Ephraim. 8 Even if you go and fight courageously in battle, God will overthrow you before the enemy, for God has the power to help or to overthrow.” 9 Amaziah asked the man of God, “But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?” The man of God replied, “The LORD can give you much more than that.” 10 So Amaziah dismissed the troops who had come to him from Ephraim and sent them home.

Observation:  Later in writing to the church in Rome, Paul wrote: “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)   Of course the opposite is also true:  if God is against us, who can be for us?  The prophecy from the man of God in the above verses contained the same truth. 

Paul’s instructions to us in 2Corinthians 6:14 is: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”  It is a truth that is often applied in marriage counseling, but marriage is not specifically mentioned in the contest of this verse. 

In the above verses, we see that the truth is applied to military strength. 

Application:  I must be careful to choose my partners from among those that God wants to bless.  This is especially true in choosing a marriage partner; but it applies to every endeavor in life.  In joining my life’s goals, my priorities, my world view, and my love for Jesus with another person in life or in a business endeavor, I must take time to see if we are in agreement.       

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, your blessing and favor are extremely valuable in my life.  I do not want to lose them, or to be joined with someone who does not appreciate them.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

June 26, 2020: SOAP #3858:  Jonah 1-4; 2Timothy 2

Scripture:  Jonah (NIV) 4:9 But God said to Jonah, “Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?” “I do,” he said. “I am angry enough to die.” 10 But the LORD said, “You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?”

Observation:  The book of Jonah could have easily been finished at the end of chapter three, but God was not through working.  God had provided His word to Johan (1:1), sent a great wind (1:4), sent a great fish (1:17), gave the fish a stomach ache (2:10), a second word for the prophet (3:1), and sent a revival to Nineveh (3:10). 

God was not only interested in the city; He was also interested in the prophet! So, to end the list of things God provided in the book of Jonah, God provides a gourd, a worm, and a wind (4:6,7,8).  And God the prophet with a new perspective.  God gives Jonah His perspective.  God lets Jonah see Nineveh from God’s viewpoint (4:11).

Application:  God wants to accomplish His work THROUGH me.  He also wants to accomplish His work IN me.  He wants me to see things as He sees them.  God wants me to love the world the way He loves the world.   He wants me to participate with Him in His great plan of gathering a group of people from the earth to rule and reign with Him for all eternity!  

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, you are always working to enlarge my vision.  Holy Spirit, help me focus my eyes on what you see.  Re-focus my priorities on what is important to you.  In Jesus Name I pray, Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

June 25, 2020: SOAP #3857:  Joel 1-3; 2Timothy 1

Scripture:  2Timothy (NIV) 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Observation:  This word that Paul writes to young Timothy, is a good word for the church today, especially for senior citizens.  It is our responsibility to “fan into flame,” or as the King James says, “stir up the gift.” We must keep the gift of God activated in my life.

Some people think that they need a special recognized position to use their ministry gift.  Everyone of us already have that position: it is called “servant.”  A true servant does not need recognition, or position, or salary to use God’s gift to benefit the church. 

Application:  Keeping the “gift of God” active in my life is my responsibility.  I should not need a pastor or evangelist to fan into flame the gift God has given me.  I should not need to go to a church service to have the “gift of God” stirred in my life; I should go to church with the gift already stirred in my life.       

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, anoint me to be a useful servant.  Help me keep the gifts active in my life.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

June 24, 2020: SOAP #3856:  2Kings 11,12; 2Chronicles 24; 1Timothy 6

Scripture:  1Timothy (NIV) 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Observation:  The Apostle Paul is warning young Timothy about people who can cause trouble in the church.  Much of this chapter is given to the subject of money, so it is understandable that the word “gain” in verse 5 includes gaining financial wealth.  Some people may feel that an increase in wealth proves they are living godly lives—proves that they have God’s blessing.  Some people use their relationships in the church to benefit themselves financially. 

Godliness cannot be measured by one’s wealth.  However, being happy in a godly life is truly “great gain.” 

Application:  What a blessing to have peace and joy in the living of a godly life.  What a blessing to live without any self-condemnation.  What a blessing to know that my day has been pleasing to God.  What a blessing to know that God smiles on me.  What a blessing to know that I have made God smile.  What a blessing to know that I have brought joy to God’s heart. 

It is a joy when God brings financial gain into my life…but it is a greater joy to know that I brought joy to HIS heart by the way I managed His gift. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, what a blessing to have God-like-ness (Godliness) in my life.  You sent your Son to show me how to live in a way that pleases you.  You sent your Holy Spirit to help me live it.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

June 23, 2020: SOAP #3855:  2Kings 10; 2Chronicles 22,23; 1Timothy 5

Scripture:  1Timothy (NIV) 5:21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

Observation:  In this passage dealing with leaders who sin, we read of some things that God hates: prejudice and favoritism.  This applies to the immediate issue, but also to all areas of life. 

Prejudice is having a preset bias against someone; people are judged as having less value.  Favoritism is having a preset bias for someone; they are judged as having more value than others.  These have no place among God’s people.  Our creator has set our value. We have all been redeemed by the same blood of the sinless Lamb of God. 

Application:   To know that I have been bought with the blood of Jesus, helps me rise above the small prejudices that have come my way.   Knowing that that same blood of Jesus has paid the price for everyone’s sin that I meet, whenever and wherever, causes me to see others as God sees them.  It can remove prejudice in my life. 

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, having you live within me helps me to see other people as you see them: valuable and full of potential.  Check my thoughts and words anytime prejudice arises in me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

June 22, 2020: SOAP #3854:  2Kings 8,9; 2Chronicles 21; 1Timothy 4

Scripture:  1Timothy (NIV) 4:14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Observation:  Timothy was a young leader being developed by the Apostle Paul and the Holy Spirit.  People may have trouble accepting Timothy’s leadership due to his age, so Paul was careful to instruct in two areas. 

First, Timothy needed to be built up as a person.  Timothy needed to be reminded that God had called him to this ministry.  He needed to watch his life and to make sure his doctrine aligned with truth. 

Second, Timothy needed to be built up as a leader.  Timothy needed to be aware that his life was always on display and that others would be watching. 

Application:  Leadership is not effective if no one is following.  But when people are following (in our home or in the church) more is required.  Not only am I responsible for myself, I am responsible for the effect I have on others.      

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for the wisdom you expressed through Paul.  Holy Spirit, help my influence on others be useful in building the kingdom.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

June 21, 2020: SOAP #3853:  2Kings 6,7; 2Chronicles 20; 1Timothy 3

Scripture:  2Chronicles (NIV) 20:15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’”                    
18 Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD. 19 Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

Observation:  The word of the Lord to King Jehoshaphat:  they would not need to fight, but they would have to take their position and stand firm.  Then they stood up and praised God with a very loud voice!!!  They had not even been to the battle, but they were celebrating as though they had already won!!!  The next morning, they marched off to battle with the singers leading the way!!! 

Application:   It is worthwhile for me to wait on the Lord.  It is worth spending time to hear what God has to say about what lies ahead.  It can change my whole approach.

In the world of politics, people make compromises to reach an agreement.  But as Christians, we need to heed Jahaziel’s prophetic word to Jehosophat.  God’s word for today: we are to “take up our positions and stand firm.”  God will fight our battles.  Stay true; no compromise! 

Prayer:   Keep me true, Lord Jesus, Keep me true.  Keep my true, Lord Jesus, Keep me true.  There’s a race that I must run; There are victories to be won.  Give me power, every hour, to be true. (Anonymous) Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

June 20, 2020: SOAP #3852:  2Kings 4,5; Psalm 83; 1Timothy 2

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 83:1 A song. A psalm of Asaph. O God do not keep silent; be not quiet, O God, be not still. 2 See how your enemies are astir, how your foes rear their heads. 3 With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish. 4 “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more.” 5 With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you— …
18  Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD—that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

Observation:  The nation of Israel has always had enemies.  It is a spiritual battle as God’s enemies stir up hatred and evil against those chosen by God to fulfill His plan for the earth.  And sometimes God was punishing Israel for rebelling against Him.  This psalm is a prayer asking God to punish, defeat, and put to shame Israel’s enemies. 

But the psalm ends requesting God to make it clear to those enemies that the LORD God is the Highest being over all the earth, He is “Most High over all the earth.” There is no other God!!

Application:    People can frustrate us.  We want God to move them out of our way.  We see them holding back God’s work in our lives.  But if God is truly Most High, why should I let them bother me.  My God is MOST HIGH!   He is MOST HIGH over my life, and over those against me, even if they do not know it yet.   They may not know it, but I DO!  And my actions should show that I do.    

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, you “alone are the MOST HIGH over all the earth.”  You are not “Most High” because I made you that way, you are “Most High” because that is who you truly are!!  May my words and my deeds demonstrate that truth to others today.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

June 19, 2020: SOAP #3851:  2Kings 1-3; Psalm 82; 1Timothy 1

Scripture:  1Timothy (NIV) 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.
17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Observation: Sharon and I remember Pastor Shurance at the Kailua Church in Hawaii often lead us in singing verse 17 above. 

If Paul was writing a song, he might have put it this way: Andre Crouch wrote, “How can I say thanks for all the things You have done for me; things so undeserved yet You gave to prove your love for me…To God be the glory…”  https://youtu.be/0iZm9__sJL8

Application:    Bob Kilpatrick wrote a simple song I love to sing: “In my life Lord be glorified, be glorified.  It my life Lord be glorified today.”  

Prayer:  Lord, with Terry MacAlmon I sing, “You deserve the glory, and the honor…You are great and do miracles so great…”  And you do them in my life! With full thanksgiving, I dedicate my life to you. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

June 18, 2020: SOAP #3850:  1Kings 22; 2Chronicles 18,19; Colossians 4

Scripture:  Colossians (NIV) 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

Observation:  Paul was concerned that the people in Colossae be faithful in prayer.  They should be watchful, being aware of what was happening in the world where they lived.  And they should be thankful. The more we grow in understanding what Jesus has done for us, the more thankful we should become. 

And while praying, Paul asks for them to mention his name in prayer.  Even though he is writing from prison, he does not ask them to pray that he will be released, or that the prison guards will go easy on him.  There is no request for his personal comfort. 

He wanted them to pray for courage and clarity in preaching.  He wanted them to pray for more opportunities to preach the truth of Jesus! 

Application:   In light of the above verses, I am requesting prayer for God to continue to open doors for this SOAP ministry.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to open my understanding to His Word and help me present it in ways that are easy to understand.  Pray for the translators to be anointed by the same Holy Spirit to understand the message and to clearly communicate it in their language. 

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, make the reading of the Bible come alive in my heart and mind.  Help me communicate the beautiful simplicity of the things you reveal to me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!