December 06, 2021: SOAP #4386:  Philippians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Philippians (NIV) 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

OBSERVATION: Paul had learned to trust the Lord through times of trouble and lack, but it was good that the believers in Philippi sent finances to help. 

It was good for Paul because it met his need.  It was good for those in Philippi because God would reward them. 

Paul was not begging them to send him money; he was thanking them for what they had previously sent!  They had met Paul’s need from their limited resources; now God would meet their need according to His unlimited resources! (Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.)

APPLICATION:  To be true to the content and intent of this passage, I should not use this verse to convince others to send money to my need.  I should apply this verse to me!  If I meet the needs of others from my resources, God will meet my needs from His resources, from “His glorious riches in Christ Jesus!!!”

When I have a need, I should pray for an opportunity to use the little I have to bless someone else.  Then I can look to God for Him to meet my need. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you are an amazing giver!  You give again and again.  You gave your Son to pay for my sins!  It pleases you when I become a giver too.  Sometimes you direct your giving through me.  It is a special blessing to be a part of your giving.  You take the little I give and make a blessing to those in need AND a blessing to me!  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

December 05, 2021: SOAP #4385:  Ephesians 5-6; Psalm 119:1-80

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 119:50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. …
52 I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them. …
54 Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge.
55 In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law.

OBSERVATION: The psalmist had good times and hard times.  His rejoicing can often be seen in the psalms he writes.  But we can also read about his cries for help when he is struggling or depressed. 

In the above verses he writes of a source of comfort during times of suffering: the scriptures, God’s promises, God’s laws. 

APPLICATION:  I have personally noticed how a personal, current knowledge of God’s word gives comfort and inner strength to those enduring hardship and suffering.   I have also noticed how people with a shallow understanding of the scriptures lack confidence in God’s ability to see them through hard times.   

Taking God’s word into our lives must be a current priority.  If the Lord allows us to grow older, we may not be able to read, we may not be able to attend church or gather with other believers.  We must store up God’s word in our minds and hearts today. 

PRAYER:  Lord, in times of trouble, may I never be short of the comfort you have provide in your Word.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

December 04, 2021: SOAP #4384:  Ephesians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 3:4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

OBSERVATION: Although there are many references in the Old Testament to God reaching the Gentile, the Jews saw themselves as God’s people.  In God’s plan to populate heaven with people, He had to start somewhere.  In sending Jesus to die in payment for our sins, He could not send 25 or 30 Jesuses—only One.  He could only come through one family in one nation.  Jesus was sent to earth through the Jewish nation. 

Once Jesus ministry was complete, the Holy Spirit was given Who revealed that God’s plan had always been to give gentiles the same standing as Jews!  

Jews and Gentiles are members of the same body—the body of Christ.  We have the same Lord!  We have the same Holy Spirit.  We share in the same promises.  We share the same destination—heaven. 

APPLICATION:  Whether we live in an Asian or African country…whether we live in Europe or the Americas…whether we live in Australia or the islands of the sea…if we have confessed our sins and received His forgiveness…if we have received Jesus into our lives…then we are all members of the same body!   

We share the same life.  God lives in us. 

PRAYER:  Jesus, you prayed that we (the members of your body) would be one.  Holy Spirit, we need your help.  Work in us and through us in answer to Jesus’ prayer.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

December 03, 2021: SOAP #4383:  Romans 13-16

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 13:12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

OBSERVATION:  The clothing we wear on the outside of our body is what people see.  Clothing ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ would be affecting our speech and actions.  Clothed in Christ, people would see how Jesus talks and acts.  Our clothing greatly affects our testimony. 

APPLICATION:  Changing our outside conversation and actions starts with changing the inside, where we think.  We are not to let our minds control us by meditating on whatever comes to our attention; we are to control our mind; we are to obey God with how we think. 

If I allow my mind to follow the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and/or the pride of life, (IJohn 2) before long, I will act out what I am thinking.  But if in obedience to the Lord and directed by the Holy Spirit I think on whatsoever is true, pure, of good report. etc. (Philippians 4:8), the Holy Spirit will start weaving those qualitied into my life. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, thank you for my mind.  It allows me to be me.  It provides me opportunity to honor you in unique ways.  Holy Spirit, help me train and apply my thoughts to the glory of God.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

December 02, 2021: SOAP #4382:  Romans 9-12

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 
20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.

OBSERVATION: Paul closes his letter to those living in Rome with some short instructional notes.  As we learn the character of the ONE living inside, these short notes are quite logical.  Verse 21 caught my attention. 

First it is obvious that one cannot make peace with evil.  One’s relationship with evil will never be one of peaceful co-existence.  Evil will continually work to expand its influence and control. 

If one does not overcome evil, evil will eventually become the overcomer! 

How does one overcome evil.  Can evil be repaid?  Overcoming evil with evil only results in twice as much evil!!!   In addition, our lives become tainted with the evil we inflict! 

APPLICATION:  God does not want me to get even; He wants me to overcome!  I cannot overcome by doing nothing; I must do something good.  I overcome a hurtful comment with a compliment.  I overcome hate with forgiveness.

Good is the only thing that can overcome evil.  In doing good I am free from feelings of guilt because of doing evil.  Doing good often results in turning the heart of the one doing evil. 

The greatest reason for using good to overcome evil is because Jesus told me to do it!!!  When I follow HIS words, I am enlisting HIS help!  

PRAYER:  Lord, I know you are inclined to help me especially when you see me walking in obedience.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

December 01, 2021: SOAP #4381:  Romans 5-8

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 8:3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so, he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. 5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

OBSERVATION: A Mother knows that it is important to warn her child of the dangers in the room, but she also understands that he is focused on those things; they hold an attraction for him.  So, she, who has experienced the grief they can bring, now stays in the room with the child, and works to keep the child’s focus on herself and away from those things she knows are harmful.  Her presence is protection for her child.  Her wisdom is now available to the child.  Her experience and maturity are now available to guide and protect the child.  Her presence makes all the difference.

If she had just warned the child, then left the room, the child would soon wander into the forbidden area, but her watchful eye keeps him safe. Her warning teaches, but her presence insures!  How true of our walk with God.  God desires that we learn and grow in understanding, so He gives us His Word, the Bible.  God also knows that we need His watchful eye on us, so He gives us His Holy Spirit.

APPLICATION:  And in addition to all this, it is the joy of the mother to spend the time with her child, and so it is not grievous for God to spend the personal time with each of us!   He joys in us even as a mother in her children.  Let us be children that bring Him much joy!

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you know me so well!  You knew that I would need the instruction of the scriptures.  And you also knew that I would need your Holy Spirit dwelling in me to give me warning and encouragement.  Thank you! Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 30, 2021: SOAP #4380:  Romans 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.  17  For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

OBSERVATION: What is it about the Gospel that saves?  In the Gospel there is a righteousness that can become mine.  It replaces my unrighteousness and makes me eligible and acceptable for heaven!   It is nothing less than the righteousness of Jesus!

That righteousness is available, but it does me no good unless I know about it. I cannot find it out on my own.  Someone must bring the message to me.  That is what the Gospel does.  In the Gospel that righteousness is brought to my attention.  The Gospel is the Good News revealed to me!

That righteousness was procured on the cross by the death of God’s Son.  It is offered to me by grace, and I receive it through faith.  There is no payment required on my part.  I do not become more deserving of that righteousness as I progress through my Christian life. No, it is by faith from the first to the last!

APPLICATION:  So, faith is to be the mainstay of my life.  My conduct and conversation should show that I am trusting in God’s action taken on my behalf.  I should speak of my Heavenly Father in such terms that everyone knows my appreciation.  I should treat others with great grace for I am the recipient of even greater grace.  I keep my word because I am so grateful that He kept His Word!  I do everything to please Him, for He did so much for me!  I am not discouraged because my faith assures me that He Who has brought me this far will certainly not drop me now!

PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner.  I believe you love me and died for my sins.  Forgive me.  Be my Lord.  Live in my life.  Live your righteous life in me.  Thank you for forgiving me and sharing your life with me.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 29, 2021: SOAP #4379:  1Thesalonians 4-5; 2Thessalonians 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  1Thessalonians (NIV) 5:7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

OBSERVATION: The world is spiritually dark around us.  The darkness lulls people to sleep.  They are unaware of the trouble presently around us nor of that coming upon us.  Nighttime is when many in the world get drunk as a way of escaping their troubles.  Not only does it hinder them from dealing with their present troubles; it hinders them from dealing with the coming troubles.

Christ died that we might enjoy an eternal relationship with Him! We will enjoy this relationship whether we are living or have died. Whether we are awake (alive) or asleep (dead), we are alive with Him!   Even now in this life we “live together” with Him!  How much more in the life to come will we “live together” with Him!

APPLICATION:  There is a difference in who we are.  There is a difference in Whose we are!  There is a difference in our circumstances.  There is a difference in our understanding.  SO there should be a difference in how we live.  OTHERS are asleep, but let US be awake.  Living in the day, aware of the trouble around us, we should be self-controlled.  We carefully choose our actions and re-actions. We have authority over our bodies; we choose to act in ways honoring God.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, it brings me great joy to be your child!  May I bring you great joy in how I live as a child of the Most High God! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 28, 2021: SOAP #4378:  Matthew 28; 1Thessalonians 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  Yesterday’s verses: Matthew (NIV) 26:2 “As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
26:12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.   26:21 And while they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”  26:31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’  26:32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Today’s verses: Matthew (NIV) 28:5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 

OBSERVATION: Now it was over.  It had all happened “just as He said!”  Jesus made it through the hard times of the betrayal, the beatings, the crucifixion, to the victory of the resurrection.  I had happened “just as He said!” 

APPLICATION:  The importance of remembering what God has said cannot be over emphasized!   His words are reality before it happens.  His words are history before history happens. 

It is for me to listen and remember…to hear and to heed.  It is for me to think and talk and act like His words are true. 

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for speaking to me through your Word, through the ministries you have put in the church, through other believers, through circumstances, through nature, etc…  May I be listening as much as you are speaking!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 27, 2021: SOAP #4377:  Psalm 125; Matthew 26-27

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 26:2 “As you know, the Passover is two days away—and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”
26:12 When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.   26:21 And while they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”  26:31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’  26:32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

OBSERVATION: The verses above tell us what happened BEFORE Jesus’ arrest.  Jesus was aware of what was going to happen to Him!  He was not unaware of the suffering He was about to endure.  Neither was He unaware of the resurrection that would follow!  

APPLICATION:   In every valley I pass through in this life, God knows what is on the other side—even before I enter the valley!  As tough, or as long, as the struggle is, God knows that it is worthwhile. 

With the Victor of all struggles living inside me, I have confidence in His victory being enforced in my life.  But if my struggle leads me through death’s door, I should consider the following verses:   
Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
1Peter 4:13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
1Peter 5:1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow-elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, just as you are “faithful and just to forgive my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness,” you are also faithful and just to reward me for the suffering I have endured in walking with you through this earthly life.  It will be worth it all when we see you!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!