November 26, 2021: SOAP #4376:  Matthew 23-25

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 24:42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

OBSERVATION: Jesus was speaking of His second coming to earth.  He gave two simple and specific directives: “Keep watch” and “be ready.”

“Keep watch” means to stay alert.  Be aware of what is happening around you.  Do not be surprised when evil raises its head.  Take action that sharpens your watching skills.  Do not be so focused on yourself that that the return of Jesus will overtake you by surprise. 

“Be ready” refers to any necessary action to needed to prepare for what is coming.  Jesus did not say, “Start getting ready,” He said, “BE ready!”  Live ready.  When it comes to the return of Jesus, do not procrastinate!  Do not put off till tomorrow what should be done today! 

APPLICATION:  Even if He does not come today for all His followers, He may come today for me!   I must “keep watch” and “be ready.”  I need to be alert and have confidence that my sins are forgiven and that He is the Lord of my life.   I want Him to find me obedient and doing what He has directed.

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for making it possible for me to be ready. I have accepted your death on the cross as the payment for my sins.  The Holy Spirit now dwells in my life to help me understand the Bible and to guide my daily life.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

November 25, 2021: SOAP #4375:  Matthew 20-22

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 22:29 Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.

OBSERVATION: Jesus was speaking to the Sadducees who were trying to trick Him by asking a question.  They were asking about the resurrection, but they did not believe there would be a resurrection!  Jesus answered their question about being married in heaven, and then from the scriptures proved the fact of the resurrection.  God, who is the God of the living, claims to be the God of those who had died long ago. 

If they had known the scriptures and the power of God, they would have no trouble believing in the resurrection!  

APPLICATION:  It is easy to get stumped on the issues of life when I do not know or forget what the scriptures say.  Then I cannot rely on what the Bible says, I cannot rely on the greatness of God.  I cannot rely on His omnipotence (all powerful).  I cannot rely on His omnipresence (present everywhere).  I cannot rely on His omniscience (all knowing).  In my thoughts, my problems become greater than my God.  I take more time thinking about my problems than about my God.  I forget that He works through ALL things for good!  I forget that He loves me enough to send Jesus to die for my sins.  How could I ever forget that!  

We cannot overemphasize the value of the scriptures and having a personal relationship with God.  God uses the scriptures to keep me from error.  The scriptures need to be a part of my active memory, always the dominant thought in my mind.  I need to see everything in relationship to my all-powerful God! 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, continue to remind me of what the Bible tells me.  Remind me of the power of God.  Remind me that God is for me!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 24, 2021: SOAP #4374:  Matthew 17-19

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 19:13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

OBSERVATION: There was nothing special about this place.  But, there was something very special about this place.  It is a place called “there!”  It is a place where Jesus paused and took time for little children.  It was a special place for Jesus because children were there!

This place became a special place to the parents.  Their children were their joy!  And Jesus validated their high opinion of their children!  They were important to Him also! 

This place also became a special place for the children.  For those too young to remember, their parents would point out this special place and tell them how the Lord of Glory had laid His hands on them.  For those old enough to remember, they would have special memories flooding their minds whenever they passed by this place. 

APPLICATION:  How unlike Jesus are people who do not take time for children! Children may be an interruption, but they are a divine interruption.  They carry the image of God with great potential!   

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, make me more like Jesus.  May I not be in such a hurry to move on from THERE when children are around.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 23, 2021: SOAP #4373:  Matthew 14-16

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 15:32 Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

OBSERVATION: This passage (verses 29-39), speaks to me much about Jesus and finances. 
1.  Jesus did not take this gathering as an opportunity to take an offering, even though He had provided a good meal. 
2.  Jesus was more interested in giving something to them than in getting something from them. 
3.  Jesus was more interested in the well-being of the multitude than in the finances of His ministry. 
4.  Jesus was more interested in what they already had in hand (7 loaves and a few little fish) rather than what they needed (enough to feed 4,000 men plus women and children). 
5.  Jesus started with what they already had in hand. 
6.  Their lack was useful in bringing much glory to God!

APPLICATION:  Jesus spoke a lot about money, but he never made an issue of people sending Him money. He never made people feel guilty about giving to motivate them to give more, so that He could do more. He taught about giving, not for His benefit, but for their benefit. Jesus was doing the will of His Heavenly Father; His Father provided the necessary resources. If I am doing the Father’s will, He will provide my resources too!  … and He does!

PRAYER:  Lord, you use finances to build my faith.  May my use of finances demonstrate my trust in you.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 22, 2021: SOAP #4372:  Matthew 11-13

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 11:25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. [26 KJV Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.]

OBSERVATION: Jesus is speaking of something that pleases the Father—something that is “good in His sight.”  If our Heavenly Father has feelings that bring Him pleasure when He views something good, it makes me think that there are other things that bring him displeasure. 

In this passage, it is something that the Father does that brings Him pleasure.  He enjoys hiding things from the educated and those who seem to have all the answers, and revealing truth to His children. 

APPLICATION:  I am amazed at how people who seem so smart still believe in evolution!  I am amazed at how educated people can demonstrate to save baby animals yet support the killing of baby humans! 

Obvious truths regarding sexual and gender issues seem difficult for some educated people to acknowledge.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, it is such an honor to be your child.  It is an honor to walk and talk with you.  It an honor that you reveal your truth and give me understanding.  I want to bring you pleasure in how I share your revelations with others.  I want to make you smile.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 21, 2021: SOAP #4371:  Matthew 8-10

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 8:16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.
9:2 Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”
9:32 While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus.

OBSERVATION: Jesus graciously ministered to all who came to Him.  And in the three verses above from todays reading, we see Jesus ministering to those who were brought to him. 

These individuals needed Jesus; they also needed others who had enough love and concern to make it possible for them to see Jesus. 

Those bringing their friends, their children, their family members to Jesus could not provide what was needed, but they had faith that it would be worth the effort to bring them to Jesus.  The second verse above says that Jesus saw “their” faith—the faith of those who had carried the paralytic to Jesus.  They had faith that it would be worth the effort to carry their friend to Jesus!  

APPLICATION:  The Lord wants me to be a friend with faith.  He wants to use my knowledge of the Lord to point others to Him.  He may want to use my resources to get my friend to Jesus. 

He may want to use me to carry His presence to those needing to connect with Him. 

PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, make me a link that connects others to you, and you to others.  May I point the way to you; may I carry your presence to them.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 20, 2021: SOAP #4370:  Matthew 5-7

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 6:5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

OBSERVATION: Where should I take my needs?  To the internet?  To Facebook?  …or to my Heavenly Father who already knows my needs. 

With whom should I share my needs?  People in church?  People on the street corner?  Facebook friends?  …or with my Heavenly Father who hears in secret but answers openly. 

APPLICATION:  Whose reward do I want? If God’s reward, then I must give so only He can see. Whose answer to prayer do I want? If I want God to answer my prayers, I’ should pray so that only He can hear.

When I take my needs to people, I will only get what people can give if they are willing to give.  When I take my needs to God, I get what only God can provide.  His willingness far surpasses the willingness of people. 

Some people have more faith in people on Facebook that they have never met than they have in God whom they claim lives in their heart! 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you know what I need before I ask you.  When I ask only you, I demonstrate my faith that you are willing and able to meet the need.  You may use people to bring about the answer, but I will always know that it really came from you.  Thank you for the unexpected provision that came today!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 18, 2021: SOAP #4368:  Matthew 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 2:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” …
9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

OBSERVATION: People sought out Jesus for many reasons.  Some came to ask questions.  Some came to find fault.  Some came to find relief from some physical ailment.  Most came for themselves, but some came for a child or servant.  But the “Magi from the east” came to worship. 

Those who came to Jesus as an adult expected Him to do something for them.  The “Magi” who we refer to as “wise men,” came to Jesus as a child.  They were not looking for what Jesus could do for them, but what they could give Him!!!  They gave Him worship and gifts appropriate from one king to another, from one royal person to another royal person. 

APPLICATION:  Christian growth and maturity brings changes in understanding of my relationship with Jesus.  He has become a part of my world, now He wants me to be a part of His world.  My consideration of what He can do for me changes to what I can do for Him. 

But what does one give to One who has everything, to the One who created the world?  The Wise Men give us a good example; they gave Him worship! 

PRAYER: Jesus, you are my Lord and Savior.  I worship you.  Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for me.  May my service grow in usefulness to you and your kingdom.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 18, 2021: SOAP #4368:  Psalms 124, 2Corinthians 11-13

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 13:3 …He [Christ} is not weak in dealing with you [those in Corinth] but is powerful among you. 4 For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him to serve you [those in Corinth].

OBSERVATION:  What a thought-provoking verse.  Jesus submitted Himself in weakness to the will of the Jewish religious leaders and to the politically powerful Roman government.  Refusing to use His divine power was the most powerful thing Jesus did!!!  Satan had brought about the death of the One who had never sinned and did not deserve to die.  Satan is now guilty of the death of one not under the penalty of death! 

Jesus rose from the grave and now lives in power!  He has conquered death!  Now He lives in those who in weakness have stopped depending on their own wisdom and strength.  Jesus now shows His power and wisdom through people who have stopped depending on their own power. 

APPLICATION:  I must stop leaning on my own wisdom and strength.  To do so is foolishness.  I have a much greater source of wisdom and strength.  Christ lives in me!!!

My selfish purpose is abandoned.  Jesus fills my life with His joy as I do His will.  His love and power flow through me to enable me to serve others. 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, make my feet and hands the feet and hands of Jesus.  May His words of truth and love be heard in my mouth.  May His heart be experienced by those who meet me.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 17, 2021: SOAP #4367:  2Corinthians 7-10

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 8:1 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. à
2Corinthians (NIV) 9:13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.

OBSERVATION: Chapters 8 and 9 of 2Corinthians are about a special ministry for every member of the church—the ministry of giving.  Paul gives reasons for giving, responsibilities for giving, and rewards for giving. 

It is interesting to note that Paul was not directing his arguments for giving to motivate an offering for himself.  He was encouraging giving to the church in Jerusalem going through a drought. 

Paul thanked people for their giving to him and his ministry, but Paul did not use the truths about giving to raise money for himself or for his ministry.  (Philippians 4:10-19)   He did not make people feel guilty for not giving or that God’s work would be hindered if people did not give to him. 

APPLICATION:  When I have a need, I should follow Paul’s example and put my emphasis on thanking people for their support rather than on convincing them to give to me.  I should make my requests known to God. (Philippians 4:6)

When I have extra finances, I should follow Paul’s teachings to invest in the Kingdom of God and expect God to be faithful to me. (2Corinthians 9:7-11)

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, when I have had a need, I know that you have used other people to minister to my needs, but they were responding to your guidance and not to my persuasion. You received their praise when they discovered that they were meeting a need at your direction, and you received my praise for you were the only one aware of my need.  Our faith was increased.  Amen.

Pastor Leon    
Making friends for time and eternity!