February 23, 2019: SOAP #3369:  Numbers 12-13; Psalm 90; Mark 2

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 90:1 A prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, you have been our dwelling-place throughout all generations….
12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Observation:  The purpose of numbering my days is not to know how old I am.  It is to “gain a heart of wisdom.”  According to Moses, properly numbering my days will give me wisdom.

Application: There are surely many ways I can number my days.  I remember a little rhyme: “Only one life, twill soon be past.  Only what’s done for Christ will last.”  I can number the days of living for myself and those living for the Lord.

I can consider how many days I have lived in comparison to how many days I may have remaining.  And, since I have no promise of tomorrow, I need to live each day as though it is my last day.  I should not leave things undone.  I should not be a procrastinator.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, I want to see each day as a great opportunity to honor You and Your Son who so lovingly suffered and died in my place.  Holy Spirit, check my heart and mind when I start to procrastinate walking through an open that you have opened for me.  Help me not to miss one opportunity today to honor You.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

February 22, 2019: SOAP #3368:  Numbers 10-11; Psalm 27; Mark 1

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:  Jesus had been living among men for 30 years.  He had been raised by Mary and Joseph.  He had been taught as a young Jewish boy.  He had learned the scriptures as every young Jewish boy of those days.  He had been baptized by John and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descended on Him.  Surely, He was ready for ministry!

But, no!  There was another detail that must be covered.  He must be tempted in every way as are we.  The three temptations of Eve in the Garden, the same three temptations that come to every person; Jesus had to face them too.  The lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. (Genesis 3:6; Luke 4:3,5,9; 1John 2:16)

Application:  The details of preparation seem to never end, especially while one is experiencing them.  God know the place and manner of our ministry, so He specifically prepares us to be ready.

He is preparing a place for me, AND He is preparing me for that place.  I am thinking that it is taking more time to prepare me for that place than it is for Him to prepare that place for me!

Prayer:   Lord help me not to get discouraged as You work out the details that are preparing me to fit into your future plans.  Have your way in my life.  Mold me and make me according to your wisdom and your love.  When I get to heaven, may I fit perfectly into the place you have prepared for me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

February 21, 2019: SOAP #3367:  Numbers 8-9; Acts 28

Scripture:  Numbers (NIV) 9:14 “‘An alien living among you who wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover must do so in accordance with its rules and regulations. You must have the same regulations for the alien and the native-born.’”

Observation:  One did not need to be an Israelite in order to celebrate Passover.  Everyone was welcome.  However, they were not welcome to celebrate the Passover just any way.  They were required to follow the same rules as the Israelites.

The Passover was a celebration of the Israelites freedom from bondage in Egypt.  It recalled the night the death angel visited Egypt bringing death to the first-born in every family.  However, it passed over every house that had the blood of a sacrificed lamb on the door posts.  It looked forward to the day when Jesus would be the sacrificed Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world.

Application:  And so, everyone is welcome in the church; the only requirement is to be born again.  Without personally receiving by faith the forgiveness for sins—that forgiveness provided by Jesus death on the cross; without acknowledging Jesus as Lord there is no way to be a part of His church.  When I am forgiven and Jesus is my Lord, His Holy Spirit enters my life and gives me the assurance that I am in relationship with God!   What joy!  What peace!  What amazing grace that personally links me with the Creator God of the universe!

Prayer:  Thank you, Lord Jesus, for dying for my sins.  Thank you for forgiving me when I asked.  Thank you for coming into my life when I opened my heart and invited you to enter as my Lord!  It is my desire to demonstrate my love and appreciation today and every day.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

February 20, 2019: SOAP #3366:  Numbers 7; Psalm 23; Acts 27

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters… 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Observation:  God’s plan is not to lead me in circles in valleys.  He led me into the valley because His goal for me is to go THROUGH the valley.  The valley was not the destination, it is merely the transition place from where our Shepherd makes us “lie down in green pastures” and “leads us beside quiet waters.” It is the transition place to a place of abundance.  We are moving to a place where our cup will overflow.

Application:  There are many valley-doorways through which I must pass.  I must remember that God is leading me THROUGH the valleys, the troubles, the difficulties.

In this life we walk through the “valley of the SHADOW of death” but a time will come that we will walk through the valley of our physical death.  Some pass quickly; others seem to linger.  However long or short my passing may be, I want it to be in anticipation of what is waiting when I complete the passage!  I want to go singing, “I am entering your gates with thanksgiving in my heart!  I am entering your courts with praise.  I am saying, “This is the day that the Lord has made.” I am rejoicing for you have made me glad!” (Psalm 100:4; 118:24)

Prayer:   Father God, I count on your Presence to be with me when I come to the last valley.  You will be my strength.  You will be my comfort.  I will count on you to lead me through and carry me when I cannot carry myself.  Entering your courts; “What a day that will be!” Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

February 18, 2019: SOAP #3364:  Numbers 3-4; Acts 25

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 25:10 Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. 11 If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no-one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” 12 After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

Observation:  Paul had been in jail before, but this was going to be different.  The Romans had taken him prisoner to protect him from the Jews who were trying to kill him.  But Paul had a very important Visitor the night following his arrest.  Acts 23:11: And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.”  So, Paul’s appeal was in keeping with the direction the LORD gave him earlier.

God always has a way!  He is never without a solution to what seems like an impossibility.  How would Paul get to Rome?  The Roman governor would send him and Rome itself would provide the passage!

Application:  Many things God gives me to do are impossible for me.  BUT, there is nothing God gives me to do that is impossible for God!

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, you have sent your Holy Spirit to live in me, to lead me, and to work through me.  May I be a clean channel through which the Holy Spirit can easily flow!  I walk in faith that you can do your will through me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

February 17, 2019: SOAP #3363:  Numbers 1-2; Acts 24

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 24:27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

Observation:  When Paul was first converted, God had spoken to Ananias that Paul was a chosen instrument to go to the Gentiles and their kings. (Acts 9:15) Now he was in prison.  And when first arrested, the Lord appeared to Paul saying that he would testify in Rome. (Acts 23:11)   But with no concern about Paul’s importance to God and to the church, Felix kept Paul in prison for two years!!!  Then passed Paul on as a prisoner to Festus!!!

Prison time is not only hard time, it is slow time, with no mail, no magazines, no radio or television.  I do not see Paul as a person willing to sit around.  He moved from place to place.  He was a traveling man.  Day after day in prison would not be easy for Paul.  But God was with Him.  God’s will would be fulfilled in Paul.  God would be glorified in Paul, even in prison.  He might not be able to preach, but he could write.  He might not be able to go, but he could send letters.  He was limited, but fruitful.

Application: I like the song by G.A. Young; I think Paul could have written it:
God leads His dear children along. …  Some through the waters, some through the flood. Some through the fire, but all through the blood; Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song, In the night season and all the day long.

The Holy Spirit was with Paul in prison, just as He was with him while preaching and healing the sick in the cities to which he traveled.  The anointing was upon him as he wrote letters in prison the same as when he was preaching in Corinth.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, you are the same today.  And you are with me every day, as you were with Paul, through good times and hard. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

February 14, 2019: SOAP #3360:  Leviticus 23-24; Psalm 24; Acts 21

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 23:11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

Observation:  The Lord came to Paul in prison.  “You must testify in Rome.”  Paul could not get up the next morning, say goodbye to his friends and start out for Rome.  He had no power to make this happen.  In prison, he had no choice.  There was no way Paul could make this happen.

To make this happen, God used Paul’s young nephew to report what he had overheard about forty men with a plan to kill Paul.  God used two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen (verse 23) to take Paul out of danger.  Later Paul was transported at the Roman government’s expense to Rome.  God made it happen!

Application:  I must always walk in faith that God can provide for me to do what He has assigned me to do.  He can, and He will, and He does!   We do not read of Paul’s complaining because God used wooden ships and a Roman escort to get him to Rome.  At that time, it was the best mode of transportation.  In the past God used the US Navy; now God is using school bus driving and the internet for me to provide for His will in my life.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, thank you for your faithfulness to provide for me to fulfill your assignment.  Through the presence, the anointing, the guidance, the empowering of the Holy Spirit You provide all I need and more Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

February 15, 2019: SOAP #3361:  Leviticus 25; Psalm 25-26; Acts 22

Scripture:  Leviticus (NIV) 25:23 [God’s instructions to the Israelites upon entering the Promised Land.]  The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants. 24 Throughout the country that you hold as a possession, you must provide for the redemption of the land.

Observation:  The land was very important to God.  He claimed ownership!  In God’s eyes, people living on the land were only tenants.  If a family needed money, they could sell their land, but in the Year of Jubilee (every 50) years, it would be returned to the original family.  And during the time leading up to the return, it could be bought back.  The price would be determined by the number of years remaining to the Year of Jubilee.

Application:  When I surrender my life to Jesus, …when I ask and receive His forgiveness for my sins, …when I confess Him as my LORD, I am recognizing His ownership of all I am and all I have!  I now look at all my possessions as belonging to the Lord.  I should not sell them without His permission.  I should not keep them when He directs me to give them. They are not mine to do with as I please.

Prayer:   LORD Jesus, by your death on the cross, you purchased all rights to my life.  In surrendering to you, I have found it is my great honor and privilege to be your servant.  Your great love for me continues to amaze me.  May my life, my love for you, the way I use my/your possessions, and my service to you bring joy to your heart. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

February 14, 2019: SOAP #3360:  Leviticus 23-24; Psalm 24; Acts 21

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 21:23 [Jerusalem church leaders to Paul] so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everybody will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law.

Observation:  Paul takes the advice of the church leaders to openly follow the law, the law which he clearly declared could not bring righteousness.  He did it to prove that he, a Jew, was continuing to live as a Jew.

I wonder, is this a parallel to Satan’s temptation to Jesus to prove He was God by throwing himself off the temple?  This would force the angels to protect him, thus proving himself to be God.

It is interesting to me to note that it was during the proving of his Jewishness that he was accused of breaking the Jewish law, arrested and eventually taken to Rome.

Application:  My opinion is that Paul should not have followed their advice.  But clearly God used this situation.  First, it was while Paul was in prison that he wrote the letter we have in our New Testament.  Second, God used the Roman government to fulfill his word to Paul that he would testify before kings.  (Acts 9:15)   Rome even provided transportation for Paul.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, I do not want to make mistakes, but it is comforting to know that you can work through anything, even my mistakes, to accomplish your will for my life.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

February 13, 2019: SOAP #3359:  Leviticus 20-22; Acts 20

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 20:22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

Observation:  As Paul was making his way back to Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit had warned Paul about trouble awaiting him in Jerusalem.  In the next chapter we read of even more specific warnings.  Why wouldn’t Paul take the warnings and go in another direction.  He could have returned to the church in Antioch from where he had been first sent out on his missionary journeys.  But he had to go to Jerusalem.

Large flocks of birds follow an inner map across the skies of Kansas to their breeding grounds.  Salmon migrate through the ocean, swimming upstream, jumping the barriers, fighting the current against them, making their way up rivers and the little streams to the very place their fish ancestors had laid the eggs from which they had hatched.  It is amazing.

And the Holy Spirit in Paul served as just such an inner compass.  He heard the warnings, but he had no choice.  He was “compelled by the Spirit.”

Application:  The Holy Spirit can serve as my “inner compass” today if I submit my will and desires to Him.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, lead me today as you led Paul.  Impress on my thoughts and will your desires.  Be the inner assurance of what You have planned for me.  Make your will clear in my heart and mind.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!