June 24, 2015: SOAP #2029

Scripture: 2Chronicles (NIV) 24:20 Then the Spirit of God acme upon Zechariah… He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you disobey the LORD’s commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken you.’”…
23 At the turn of the year, the army of Aram…invaded…Judah…
24 Although the Aramean army had come with only a few men, the LORD delivered into their hands a much larger army. Because Judah had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers, judgment was executed on [King] Joash.

Observation: Many times in the Bible we read that Israel and Judah defeated much larger armies because God was with them. In the above verses we read that the opposite was also true. God had forsaken them, BECAUSE they had forsaken God. A large army with many ships and airplanes cannot take the place of the presence and favor of Almighty God.

Application: Across the southern border of the United States comes an invasion of illegal immigrants. Some want to join their families who are already in the USA and some want to find jobs. But among them are those who want to do us harm. As a nation, we easily have the resources to stop them but God has blinded the eyes of our leaders and tied their hands from taking effective action. In many ways our nation has forsaken God and now God is forsaking us to reap His judgment.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as a nation, Israel enjoyed your blessings; they also suffered under your judgment. The same is true of the United States, and any nation, today. I am grateful to know that your presence and favor remains with individuals who remain faithful to you. Amen

June 23, 2015: SOAP #2028:

Scripture: 2Chronicles (NIV) 23:16 Jehoiada then made a covenant that he and the people and the king would be the LORD’s people.

Observation: King Ahaziah was a wicked king. When he was killed, his mother stepped into his shoes and set about to destroy anyone who had the right to the throne. But one son, Joash, just a year old at the time, was hidden and kept in the temple for six years. Jehoiada the priest took the responsibility to plan how the true king could be placed on the throne. After the plan was completed, the usurper was destroyed and the seven-year-old Joash was crowned. The new king ruled under the supervision of the godly priest.

Two great characteristics can be seen in Jehoiada the priest—courage and humility. He had the courage to act risking death if the true king and the plans had been discovered. He was humble, because he did not try to make himself king. He knew his assignment and was willing to be who he was and do what he could do.

Application: Jesus is the true King that should be ruling in the lives of people. However satan has usurped Jesus’ rightful place. God is looking for people like Jehoiada to work to get the rightful King in His rightful place.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, put your courage in me to speak and to do things that will help others set Jesus as KING and LORD of their lives. And help me humbly remain in the place You have assigned me. Amen

June 22, 2015: SOAP # 2017:

Scripture: 2Chronicles (NIV) 21:10 To this day Edom has been in rebellion against Judah. Libnah revolted at the same time, because Jehoram had forsaken the LORD, the God of his fathers.

Observation: When Jehoram became king, he rebelled against the example of his father’s godly reign and forsook God’s authority. He rebelled against God and those under him rebelled against him.

Application: Only God has all authority because he is the Supreme Being and because He is worthy. All other authority is delegated. The place to prepare for a position of authority is the place of submitted obedience to the authority God has placed over me—at home, in the church, or at work. The way to remain in authority is to remain under authority. If I cannot obey those over me, why should I expect those under me to obey me?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, authority is a tool you give to enable us to serve you more effectively. I want to use the authority You have given me to accomplish the most for Your Kingdom and Your glory. Amen

June 21, 2015: SOAP #2026:

Scripture: 2Chronicales (NIV) 20:12 O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.

Observation: The ending of King Jehoshaphat’s prayer is “…our eyes are upon you.” He was not just saying that; it was really true. In the beginning of the prayer he addresses the God who dwells in heaven and rules over the nations. God is so powerful and mighty that no one can stand against Him. He mentions great things God had done for them in the past. He mentions the prayers that had been prayed there in the temple. Before closing the prayer, he mentions their need for His help. He closes with “…our eyes are on you.”

Application: May my prayers show that my eyes are on the Lord. May I address the Great Creator with words that indicate how great and powerful He is! May I let Him know that I have not forgotten what He has done for me in the past! May my prayers be more about Him and what He has done than what I need Him to do now. He already knows my need; He would like to hear that I know He is able! Appreciating His ability and willingness to help in the past builds my faith that he will help me now.

Prayer: Jesus, forgive me for taking so much time in my prayer to make sure You understand my problem. You already understand, even better than I! Sometimes my prayers indicate that my eyes are on my problem rather than on You. Forgive me. May my prayers for help should have three parts: 1. appreciation for You and what You have already done for me, 2. a short request for what I need and 3. an expression of dependence on You. Amen

June 20, 2015: SOAP #2025

Scripture: 1Timothy (NIV) 2:2 …[Pray]… that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Observation: Those who love God should always be interested in what pleases God and what He desires. If God is a priority in our lives, His desires become our desires—His priorities become our priorities. We begin to look at the world through His point of view.

Application: The greatest tragedy in the world today is that the church, which includes me, does not love the world the way God loves the world. His love for me caused him to give His Son; what does my love for Him cause me to give? Jesus love for His Father caused Him to take on the limitations and suffering that accompanied His earth assignment. His assignment was to make the way for people to enter a relationship with His Father. During my earth assignment I should not be surprised if my love for the Father is not tested and proved by hard times also. My assignment also involves helping people enter a relationship with my Heavenly Father.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, people are so important to you that you sent your Son to die in payment for their sins. They should be important to me also. May my love for you be seen in my sacrifice to do your will. Amen

June 19, 2015: SOAP #2024

Scripture: 1Timothy (NIV) 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
2 To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Observation: Hope and faith are related, sometimes like identical twins. Faith is being certain of something specific; hope is the general confidence that everything will work out for good. Romans 8:28 is a great explanation of hope: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)

Application: To me, faith is the certainty of my salvation and God’s word spoken to my heart by the Holy Spirit. Hope is the general attitude that things are going to work out for my good and His glory. I may not know the specifics, but how can they not work out for good when Jesus, by His Holy Spirit is living in me! It is illogical to think anything different. When Jesus is my LORD, Jesus is my HOPE.

As Lauryn Hill wrote: “Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, why should my heart feel lonely and long for heaven and home? When JESUS is my portion, a constant friend is he. His eye is on the sparrow. And I know he watches me…”

Prayer: Jesus, as the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write to Timothy, you are my hope! You not only watch over me; by your Holy Spirit, you live inside me! Amen

June 18, 2015: SOAP #2023:

Scripture: Colossians (NIV) 4:1 Masters [Employers, Overseers], provide for your slaves [employees, subordinates] what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Observation: Those who have authority over another must always remember that there is a Master of all masters. People may be required to give answer to them, but they will be required to give answer to the Master in heaven.

Application: Knowing that it is God to whom I will answer, I must provide for those under my authority what is right and fair. It is not what is right and fair in my eyes, nor in their eyes, but what is right and fair in God’s eyes, for it is He to whom I will answer.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, ultimately I answer to you. You are not fooled by circumstances or the claims of others. You see things perfectly and understand completely. Guide me by your Holy Spirit to provide what is right and fair in your eyes. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

June 17, 2015: SOAP #2022

Scripture: Colossians (NIV) 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the LORD forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Observation: Our clothing, being worn on the outside of our body, is what those around us can see. If we “clothe” ourselves with the above attitudes, people should be able to see them. Of course for them to be seen on the outside, they must be established in the heart. How can we develop these characteristics in our hearts? How do we learn to express them in our actions? Instead of focusing on those characteristic, we need focus only on one—on love. 1Corinthians 13 tells us that love includes all these characteristics.

Application: God knew that I would have trouble with these characteristics, even when they are simplified in love. He placed His Holy Spirit to live within me, enabling me to live like Jesus.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you know me well. You know my limitations. You know that I cannot live up to your standard on my own. I need your Holy Spirit to live in me, to guide me, to enable me to live a life of love. Amen

June 15, 2015: SOAP #2020:

Scripture: Colossians (NIV) 1:25 I have become its servant [the church’ servant] by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Observation: Jesus did not come to earth because God wanted to live among us or with us. He came to make it possible for God to live in us!!! To the Galatians Paul would write, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Application: That God would desire to have such a close relationship with me is astounding and humbling. The treasure God has given me is Himself. In sharing my life, He will be a part of everything I do today.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, what a magnificent plan you have for me/us. May my life bring you glory today. Take the lead as we walk together in this body. Amen

June 14. 2015: SOAP #2019: 1Kings 15; 2Chronicles 13, 14; Philippians 4

Why this promise?

Scripture: Philippians (NIV) 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Observation: Here is a verse that all Christians would like to claim for themselves. What a privilege, and a relief to know that God is not only able, but willing to meet all our needs! Why would the Holy Spirit direct Paul to write such a promise! What was it about the Philippians that would bring such a promise? Why did not Paul write this promise in his letters to the other churches? The obvious answer can be found in the immediate context, verses 10-18. Those in Philippi had been giving and giving and giving to Paul. What would be God’s obvious response to such givers? He would meet all their needs.

Application: I give out of my resources; God gives out of His resources! I give in this life; God gives in this life time—and also in eternity!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are a giver and when your Holy Spirit has control of my life, He makes me a giver also. I am thinking that it is only as a giver that I can fully appreciate what I have been given. Amen