November 06, 2021: SOAP #4356:  Job 30; Psalm 120; Galatians 3,4

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 3:25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. 26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

OBSERVATION: My heart rejoices in the truth Paul stated in the above passage.  What Christ accomplished on the cross not only freed those who were “under supervision of the law,” it united all who have faith in Christ into the body of Christ. 

APPLICATION:  SOAP readers, no matter where you live, if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, WE “ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST JESUS!!!”   Africans, Asians, Americans, women, men, wealthy, poor—we are one in Christ Jesus!  We are all members of the same body.  We all have the life of Christ within us.  We are all blessed by the presence of the Holy Spirit!  Before long, we will all be together around the throne of heaven! We will all be rewarded there for our faithfulness here.  We may not meet in this life, but surely, we will meet in heaven! 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, to know that “we are all one in Christ Jesus, filles my heart with joy.  Today, bless each one with a joyful awareness of your presence.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 05, 2021: SOAP #4355:  Job 28-29; Galatians 1-2

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

OBSERVATION:  With Christ, I share history.  My computer may be only 2 years old, but the program within may be 7 or 8 years old.  The program may have updates that are older than the computer.  —  The same is true of Leon.  I am only 73 years old, but in me is a life that goes all the way back to the crucifixion.  Christ, who was crucified, lives in me. 

With Christ, I share the present.  Paul was not living the life of Paul, but the life of Christ.  He considered himself dead to Paul and alive to Jesus!  The decisions about his actions were directed by Jesus.  —  The same is true of Leon.  There is a new life source directing my daily thoughts, words, and actions. 

With Christ, I share the future.  In our Father’s house, Jesus is now preparing a place for me that I may be where He is!   What a day that will be! 

APPLICATION:  On my own, I had no hope of being righteous enough to be allowed into heaven.  I could never keep all the demands of the law.  I had even broken the law before I understood it!   But when by faith I accept Jesus’ death as the payment for my sins, I became joined with Him, past, present, and future!  By faith, with Jesus on the cross, I died to myself.  Now, with Jesus living within me, He is training Leon to think of Leon as dead; Christ is living within. And in joyful faith I look forward to an eternity with Him in our Father’s house.  What a life!!!  What a past!  What a present!  What a future! 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, your plan to include me amazes me.  I am eternally grateful for the sacrifices of you in sending your Son, and of Jesus in coming to die for my sins.  Holy Spirit, help me live my life in honor of these sacrifices.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 04, 2021: SOAP #4354:  Job 26-27; Mark 15-16

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 15:40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there. … 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.
Mark (NIV) 16:1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb … 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. … 9 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene,

OBSERVATION: These women used their possessions to serve Jesus.  They did not force themselves into the center but watched “from a distance.”  Their attitude of service continued after the crucifixion as they brought spices to anoint the body of Jesus.  Their servant heart brought some special blessings.  They were the first into the tomb.  They were the first to receive the news that Jesus was risen.  They were the first to see the empty spot where the body had laid. 

APPLICATION:  There are benefits in serving.  The servants who drew the water were the first to see the miracle of the water being turned into wine.  These ladies, drawn by their desire to serve, were the first to see the empty tomb.  The risen Jesus first appeared to Mary!

The servant gets to be close to the one they are serving.  They become a part of the activity.  They get the best view of the action. 

PRAYER: Lord, to be your servant, to be faithful in being a part of your ministry.  It is a honor and great joy to be close to you and see you working around me.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 03, 2021: SOAP #4353:  Job 25; Mark 13-14

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 14:1 Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill him. 2 “But not during the Feast,” they said, “or the people may riot.”

OBSERVATION: Several years back we visited Flint Hills Assembly of God one communion Sunday.  Pastor Robin Haines commented that the Roman Government (the most powerful government in the world at that time) was afraid of doing something that would cause the people to riot.  The people had power to affect the mighty Roman government!

In the USA we like to think that we have a government “of the people, and by the people, and for the people,” as Abraham Lincoln said it.  Today was election day in our nation.  In our community we voted on city council and school board members.  Our constitution is primarily to protect the people from unreasonable government.  Through the constitution, God gives us the responsibility to vote.

APPLICATION:  The Bible makes it clear that I (or the people)—that we are to affect the government.  We should be willing to serve as opportunities arise.  But mostly we should pray.  (1Timothy 2:2)   We need to become seasoned pray-ers, praying fervent prayers to a God who can do far beyond anything we can ask or imagine.  We need to pray, expecting God to make a difference.  Each one of us should pray as though we are the only one praying for our nation. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I believe we are living at the end of the age.  You are about to turn a page in the history of man on the world.  I pray for a mighty ingathering of souls into your kingdom.  Use me to bless and encourage your people.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 02, 2021: SOAP #4352:  Job 23-24; Mark 11-12

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 12:14 They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?…
23 At the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?”…
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”…
35 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, “How is it that the teachers of the law say that the Christ is the son of David?

OBSERVATION: The Jewish leaders sent people to “catch Him in His words.” (vs.13) They acted like the news reporters of today.  They asked questions that any answer He would give could be used against Him.  They were purposefully trying to trick Him into saying something that would make Him look bad.  With great wisdom, He answered their questions, then asked them a question they would have difficulty answering. 

APPLICATION:  The same Holy Spirit that anointed Jesus for His ministry is with us today.  He is present in the church to continue the ministry of Jesus through the church today.  The works of Jesus and the wisdom of Jesus can flow through those full of the Holy Spirit. 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, flow through me.  Minister your presence and power and wisdom in me and through me.  May my life be an expression of Jesus to the world around me.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 01, 2021: SOAP #4351:  Psalm 121; Mark 9-10

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 9:31 …he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.”
Mark (NIV) 10:32 …Again, he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. 33 “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34 who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.”

OBSERVATION: In each of the chapters assigned for my reading today, Jesus prepares His disciples for what is about to happen to Him in Jerusalem. Yet knowing what was ahead, He continued to move forward.  Jesus spoke of the suffering and death awaiting him, but also of the resurrection that would follow!  The suffering and death were only for a season that would be followed by great victory!

APPLICATION:  We tend to think of death as final.  But clearly, Jesus did not think of His death as final.  Death is the only way to get to the resurrection!!!  The disciples should have remembered everything Jesus had said! 

I also need to remember EVERYTHING God has spoken to me.  What God has told me will be the light in dark places.  It will increase my faith and lift my attitude. 

PRAYER: Jesus, you knew that the disciples would be greatly affected by your suffering and death, so you told them about the third day!  It seems they forgot.  But you have given me your Holy Spirit to remind me of the things you have said.  (John 14:26)   Thank you.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 31, 2021: SOAP #4350:  Job 22; Mark 7-8

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 7:6 He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’ 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.” 9 And he said to them: “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!… 13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”

OBSERVATION:  Traditions: before they were traditions, many were meant to be guidelines about ways to love and serve God.  But they soon became like a law and people could judge themselves, taking pride in how well they kept the law…or they could condemn others for not keeping the law.  Instead of a heart relationship with God, their religion became an outward display of keeping rules. 

APPLICATION:  We are approaching the time of year that is full of traditions.  Thanksgiving and Christmas are holidays full of spiritual meaning.  Thanksgiving Day was set as a time to give thanks to God for His blessings.  Today some even call it, “Turkey Day” because the tradition of eating turkey.  Eating turkey, potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie have remained the traditions.  Gathering in churches for prayers of thanksgiving has been long abandoned. 

Even more, the traditions of Christmas have replaced the truth of Jesus birth.  Many children know “Rudolf the Red nosed Reindeer” better than “Away in a manger.”  Making sure each family member gets an appropriate gift is more important than making sure they have a relationship with the Christ of Christmas.

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, this year help me celebrate the truth more than the tradition.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 30, 2021: SOAP #4349:  Job 21; Mark 5-6

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 6:51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

OBSERVATION: To me, this verse is a strong indication that they had taken along with them one or two basketsful of the leftovers from the earlier dinner. They had in the boat evidence of God’s miraculous provision.  They had in the boat evidence that Jesus could impower them to do as He commanded, after all, it was He who commanded them to feed the 5000, and then He provided the food for them to do so.  It was He who told them to go to the other side, and He would empower them to do so.

APPLICATION:  So often, I need but to look around to find evidence of God’s great intervention in my life.  In my home, I have “basketsful” of leftovers from previous miracles.  I cannot let my heart become “hardened” so that I forget and cannot see what is so obvious.  Considering what God has done gives me faith for what He will do! 

I can build my faith by considering what God has done for me in the past.  It reminds me that He cares about me and is willing to help me.  It reminds me of His great power and provision.

PRAYER: Lord, sometimes I need to be reminded of what you have done for me in the past.  I know you are just as faithful now as then.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 29, 2021: SOAP #4348:  Job 20; Mark 3-4

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 2:1 Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” 4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. 5 He looked round at them in anger and deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

OBSERVATION:  The Pharisees had a reason to keep a close eye on Jesus.  They watched him closely with a purpose.  They were looking for a reason to accuse Him.  They knew Jesus healed many people; could they catch him doing it on the Sabbath? 

APPLICATION:  I want to be one who closely watches Jesus at work in the world around me.  I want to be quick to recognize His hand at work.  I want to be watching with a heart of love.  I want to be quick to rejoice and give Him praise when I see Him working in someone’s life.  Sometimes He may even let me have a small part in what He is doing!  

Also, I want to look for opportunities to encourage and appreciate people rather than accuse them.  I want to catch people doing something good, rather than something wrong.

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, help me keep my eyes on Jesus.  Especially bring to my attention the many things Jesus is doing in the lives of those around me.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 28, 2021: SOAP #4347:  Job 19; Mark 1-2

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 1:9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” 12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, 13 and he was in the desert for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

OBSERVATION: As does Luke, Mark shows the important role of the Holy Spirit in the life and ministry of Jesus. The Spirit descended on Jesus at his baptism in water.  The voice of the Father was heard from heaven.  And then the Spirit SENT Jesus into the wilderness.  Jesus had laid aside His deity to walk on earth as a sinless man.  So, at the start of His ministry, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus and then SENT HIM into the dessert!  

Jesus received the Holy Spirit’s presence and anointing.  Jesus also obeyed the Spirit’s direction.  Jesus followed the leading of the Holy Spirit. 

APPLICATION:  Since I have set Jesus as my example, I also need to carefully follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit arouses a strong feeling in my heart, or speaks a word or thought into my mind, I must be careful not to shrug it off as of no account. 

The Holy Spirit will often speak to us through the scriptures, but not always.  The better I know the scriptures, the better I will be able to understand what the Spirit is saying to me.  However, not having a Bible available does not mean that the Holy Spirit cannot speak to us!  When we were born again, the Holy Spirit has set up residence in our hearts. 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit I need your anointing and empowering in my life and ministry.  Like Jesus, help me follow the flow of compassion that you stir up in my heart.  By your impressions and thoughts in my mind, help me see things as Jesus sees them.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!