September 18, 2019: SOAP #3576:  Ezekiel 45-46; Luke 1

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 1:14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.

Matthew (NIV) 11:11  I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Observation:   The angel was explaining to Zechariah about the son that would be born to Zechariah and Elizabeth.  He was to name him John.  My attention was drawn to the phrase, “…he will be great in the sight of the Lord.”

Later Jesus said no one alive was “greater than John the Baptist.” …except Jesus.

What is there that makes one “great in the sight of the Lord.”  God’s estimation is worth more than the opinion of anyone else.  John was willing to fulfill his purpose even though he had no choice in it.  John was humble.  John was willing to stay out of the mainstream of life.  John was willing to play second fiddle—to take a back seat.  John was willing to be overlooked.  John sent His disciples to Jesus.

Application:  Like John, I must come to the realization that life is not all about me.  It is all about Him!  Doing His will, bringing glory to Him is more important than my comfort.  Like John, “He must increase; I must decrease!”  (John 3:30)  John was great because his life was all about THE GREATEST!

Prayer:  Jesus, you are the servant of all; yet without question, you are the greatest.  Whatever value I have is in my relationship to you.  May you increase and I decrease.  Be glorified in me, I pray.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 17, 2019: SOAP #3575:  Ezekiel 42-44; Revelation 22

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 22:1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

Observation:  One very dominant characteristic of the throne room in heaven that John noted was this amazing river that flowed from the throne of God and the Lamb.

That it flows from the throne is an indication that this is a major emphasis of the government administered from this throne.

Some governments want to emphasize their dominance and control.  Some want to emphasize their might and authority over their subjects.

But this river is not a river of judgment, not a river of dominance, but a river of life!  It is a river that brings nourishment and healing.

Application:  When the throne of God is firmly established in my life, a river of life flows out from me.  Not a river of judgment or condemnation, but a river of life!

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, let the river flow.  Words of judgment and condemnation that once flowed from my mouth—turn them into words of nourishment and healing.  Make me an encourager, bringing your life to those around me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 16, 2019: SOAP #3574:  Ezekiel 40-41; Psalm 128; Revelation 21

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulphur. This is the second death.”

Observation:   In these verses, we see the culmination of what began in Genesis where God prepared a dwelling place for man.  God created man with whom He could share fellowship and express His love.  Through the Old Testament and to the last book in the New Testament, to the next to the last chapter, the grand theme is complete.  Man has been prepared to dwell with God.  God is ready to dwell with man as He originally planned.  It was not easy.  God will live with them; He will be their God; they will be His people!

Application:  Relationship is the desire of a loving God who is hungry for people who will receive His love and willing return it.  I want to be one of those.  May I be one who excels in loving God!

Prayer:  Lord, there just one thing; One thing I ask of thee;
Cause me to excel; Excel in loving thee.
There’s nothing in this world; that I would rather be
Than by Thy grace just one; who excels in loving thee.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 15, 2019: SOAP #3573:  Ezekiel 38-39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 145:17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving towards all he has made.
–18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. 19 He fulfils the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. 20 The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
–21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

Observation:   In verse 17 we have the two moral characteristics of God.  He is Holy and Loving.  Righteousness is holiness in action.  It is holiness expressed.  Righteousness, faithfulness, honest, just and true are outward expressions of holiness.  Kindness, gentleness, benevolence, mercy and grace are outward expressions of love.  Holiness and love are unchangeable characteristics of God.  That is just the way He is!

In verses 18, 20 and 21 David, the psalmist, gives ways these two characteristics are expressed.  God does not stop being holy to express His love, nor does He stop being loving to express His holiness.

In verse 21, David gives the logical response of man to such a God.  Our mouths should never stop proclaiming His wonderful character.

Application:   God has always been Holy and Loving.  God will always be Holy and Loving.  So, I can live my life and face the difficulties coming my way knowing that my God with me now is Holy and Loving.  The more I understand these moral character traits of God, the more I will know what pleases Him and what brings Him displeasure.  I understand why He punishes those He loves.  I understand why Jesus had to suffer so terribly to pay for my sins.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, help me live a life honoring my Heavenly Father and my Lord Jesus by letting these characteristics be seen in me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 14, 2019: SOAP #3572:  Ezekiel 36-37; Psalm 110; Revelation 19

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 19:11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no-one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.

Observation:   We first met this rider in the first chapter of Genesis.  The God of creation Spoke the worlds into existence!  Then in the first chapter of the gospel of John, we find that this one known as “The Word” who created all things, became flesh and live among men as a man.  He came as a servant, a servant to His Heavenly Father, and a servant to men.  He lived a life of saying “no” to himself in order to say “yes” to His Father.  He endured great suffering and died hanging on a cruel cross.  He rose from the dead and ascended to heaven.

And HERE HE COMES AGAIN!  This time He comes as a warrior to win the war and set up His Kingdom.  The armies following Him will not need to fight.  The same Word that created the earth, then walked on the earth, will now defeat the enemy armies.

Application: “I’m in the Lord’s army, I’m in the Lord’s army…”  I used to sing it as a child.  And I remember singing it not too long ago, because it is true, and it is worth singing about!   Now I use the weapons He has provided me to withstand the enemy.  They are not carnal, but mighty through God.  But when I follow behind Him on the white horse, His weapon will be the only one needed!

Prayer:  Jesus, you are worthy of all praise!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 13, 2019: SOAP #3571:  Ezekiel 33-35; Revelation 18

Scripture:  Ezekiel (NIV) 33:7 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so, hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 8 When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 9 But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will be saved yourself.

Observation:   God had set Ezekiel as a watchman for the nation of Israel.  God was serious about what Ezekiel was to do, and Ezekiel should be serious too!

Although it is written to Ezekiel and is about Israel, it applies to me and to my nation.  I have a responsibility to carry God’s Word to the lost.

Application:  There are scriptures that lift me when I am going through hard times.  There are scriptures that assure me of God’s presence.  There are scriptures that promise God’s intervention and future preservation.  Then there are scriptures like the ones above.  These scriptures emphasize my part in God’s plan.  These scriptures lay out the heavy responsibility that we each carry.  These scriptures make me thankful for the scriptures about the presence and anointing of the Holy Spirit!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, in your wisdom, you knew that I would not be able to carry out an assignment like this on my own.  So, in your great wisdom you sent your Holy Spirit to live in me and empower me to fulfill your will.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 12, 2019: SOAP #3570:  Daniel 3-4; Psalm 81; Revelation 17

Scripture:  Daniel (NIV) 3:15 …Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.  17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.
18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Observation:   The three Hebrew children understood the issue.  It was not about worshipping an idol.  It was not about their flesh being able to withstand the fire.  It was all about their God!

–Could their God save them from the fire?  To them that was not an issue.  Their mind was at peace; there was no doubt; God could save them.
–Would He save them?  That was not their issue.  That was God’s issue.  That was for God to determine.
–Was God worthy of their sacrifice?  In their minds, clearly, he was!
–Would they bow to the idol?  That issue of the day.  But that issue had been settled long ago.  It had been settled in many little decisions they had previously made.  The big day had arrived, and they were standing on the national stage!

Application:   Glorifying God in my little daily decisions prepares me for glorifying God in the big decisions.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, obedience is not a little/big occasion.  I honor my Heavenly Father by obeying in ALL decisions.  Keep me aware of the issues I face every day.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 11, 2019: SOAP #3569:  Daniel 1-2; Revelation 16

Scripture:  Daniel (NIV) 1:8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself in this way. …
11 Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. …17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. … 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service.

Observation:  Daniel’s courageous commitment to honoring God obviously had a great effect on those known as the three Hebrew children.  They participated with Daniel in refraining from eating the royal food.  God’s blessing on Daniel extended to them.  Daniel was later thrown to the lions and these three were thrown into a fiery furnace.

Application:   When God calls us to take a stand, we need to carefully follow His directions.  It will obviously go better for us, and who knows who is watching and will be influenced to follow.  The greatest victory for the Kingdom of God may come from someone who follows in our steps.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for the power of influence.  Thank you that people watching our lives can be encouraged to be fully committed to you.  Use us and use our influence for your glory.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 10, 2019: SOAP #3568:  Lamentations 3-5; Revelation 15

Scripture:  Leviticus (NIV) 3:31 For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. 32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. 33 For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.

Observation:   What a great thought.  God’s anger for his people does not last forever!  He is just and brings judgment, but he also shows compassion.  SO GREAT is His unfailing love!  Indeed, SO GREAT!

God does not, from His own will, bring judgment on people.  He is enticed/He is lured/He is persuaded to bring judgment by man’s sin.  Mercy and compassion flow out of His heart of love, but judgment is given with reluctance.  Judgment is always just and deserved, but it also is an expression of God’s mercy for it is less than deserved.

Application:  I can rejoice in God’s great love. I can enjoy His love.  But I must not forget that He is holy and judges sin.  The Holy Spirit helps me to understand His great love and His perfect holiness.  God is good because He has the perfect balance of great love and complete holiness.

His holiness does not prevent His love.  His love does not mar His holiness.  So how can a holy God deal in love with a sinful man?  Only through the cross where the holy God paid the sin penalty for the man He loves.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, it is by faith in my heart and the confession of my mouth that I received your forgiveness.  Now that I am forgiven, I am a new creation!   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 09, 2019: SOAP #3567:  Lamentations 1-2; Obadiah; Revelation 14

Scripture:  Revelation (NIV) 14:2 And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. 3 And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No-one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

Observation:   They sang a “new song.”  We do not have the words of this “new song,” but there may be some clues.  First:  it was sung by “144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.”  Since no one else could learn that song, it must have come from their shared personal experience.  Second:  it was sung before the throne in heaven.  It was a song appropriate to its environment.  It was a song of praise and worship.

Also, it was not just a song of voices, the accompaniment sounded like harps, and it was LOUD!

Application:  For me, music raises the message from a mental, thought process to a heartfelt communication.  It adds a new dimension to the spoken words.  New songs come out of new experiences or fresh insight into something in the past.  Old songs can become new and fresh as I experience new things in God!  The key is to continue to grow spiritually.

Suggestion:  Take time to read through an old hymnal and revisit some of the songs from your past.  See how much more meaning they now have because of recent things God has done with/for you.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, every day you are worthy of a new song.  Every day I experience something new with you.  I want to sing with new appreciation for you and your grace and mercy.  Holy Spirit, help me sing with new appreciation every day.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!