August 27, 2018: SOAP #3189:  Jeremiah 52; Revelation 1; Psalm 143-144

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 144:1 Of David. Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. 2 He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.

Revelation (NIV) 1:13 …someone “like a son of man,” dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash round his chest. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Observation:  Today’s Bible reading had two descriptions of God.  The first from King David in the book of Psalms and the second from the Apostle John who had been exiled on the island of Patmos.  David knew God’s character and was assured that God could be trusted to care for him, protect him, deliver him.  John knew how far God would go to care for, protect and deliver people—He would go all the way to the cross!  He did not just go TO the cross, He went THROUGH the cross, THROUGH the tomb, and all the way TO resurrected life!

Application:  Sometimes I do not appreciate the awesomeness of having the resurrected Savior of the world living in me.  I move through parts of my day as though nothing special is happening.  There is no part of my day that is not full of potential!

Prayer:   Jesus, the life you live in me is resurrected life.  Thank you.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

August 26, 2018: SOAP #3188:  Jeremiah 50-51; 3John

Scripture:  3John (NIV) 6 They’ve made a full report back to the church here, a message about your love. It’s good work you’re doing, helping these travelers on their way, hospitality worthy of God himself! 7 They set out under the banner of the Name and get no help from unbelievers. 8 So they deserve any support we can give them. In providing meals and a bed, we become their companions in spreading the Truth.

Observation:  John is writing to Gaius who had opened his heart and home to some traveling ministers.  The traveling ministers had returned and reported back to their home church.  They gave a such glowing report of the hospitality received that John writes a thank-you letter.

My focus was drawn to verse 6, “…worthy of God himself.”  I wonder if it is a hospitality that is worthy of being compared to the hospitality God shows us, or if it a hospitality that we should show God.  Hmmm.

Application:  If anyone deserves excellent hospitality, it is God.  I should show him the greatest hospitality as He lives in my life!  I should always treat Him as the Most Honored Guest!  I want to make Him know that He is welcome to share my life.  I want Him to know that I am honored to have Him spend the day with me.  I do not want to ignore Him or forget He is with me!  What could be too great an imposition in having the Creator of the Universe accompanying me throughout my day!!!   My response to any impositions is one way I can show Him how much I honor Him.  I do not want Him to ever think that I do not value His Presence or that He is not welcome!

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, I honor you!  I know I am unworthy to have you share my life.  Amazing, as you share my life, I get to share your life!  Jesus, thank you for making this possible by dying to cleanse me from the sin that separated me from you.  Holy Spirit show me how to express hospitality that is “worthy of God.”  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

August 25, 2018: SOAP #3187:  Jeremiah 37-39; Psalm 79; 2John

Scripture:  Jeremiah (NIV) 39:16 “Go and tell Ebed-Melech the Cushite, ‘This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I am about to fulfil my words against this city through disaster, not prosperity. At that time, they will be fulfilled before your eyes. 17 But I will rescue you on that day, declares the LORD; you will not be handed over to those you fear. 18 I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the LORD.’”

Observation:  Who is Ebed-Melech the Cushite?  Why would God have something special to say to this Ethiopian eunuch serving in the court of King Zedekiah?  The answer can be found in the previous chapter (38:7-13).   Although not a Jew, Ebed spoke boldly to the King on behalf of Jeremiah the prophet who had been thrown into a damp, muddy cistern.  At the king’s direction, Ebed gathered some men, found some ropes, found some old rags to be used as padding under the arms of the prophet, then raised Jeremiah to safety.

When God brought judgment on the city, God would personally rescue Ebed!

Application:  God notices the acts of kindness done by those who love God.  God took Ebed’s acts personally and so He took specific, personal action on behalf of Ebed!   “I will rescue you…I will save you…”  Ebed had ministered to Jeremiah, but God was going to minister to Ebed!

Prayer:    Heavenly Father, thank you for noticing and repaying acts of kindness your people do today.  We do not read that Ebed was seeking your hand, but you extended your care to him out of the goodness of your heart!  You look at our acts of kindness as though we had done them personally to you!  …and you repay.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

August 24, 2018: SOAP #3186:  Jeremiah 33-34; Psalm 74; 1John 5

Scripture:  Jeremiah (NIV) 33:1  While Jeremiah was still confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of the LORD came to him a second time:
2  “This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: 3  ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

Observation:  God’s Word is penetrating and powerful.  It penetrated Jeremiah’s confinement.  They could keep Jeremiah from getting out, but they could not keep God from getting in!  And if there is anything we see about God in the Bible, God is a speaker!  He talks!   God was with Jeremiah, and God was speaking!

God’s Word not only penetrated Jeremiah’s confinement, it then got out and has been penetrating hearts for more than twenty-five hundred years!

Application:  There is no hospital, no prison, no cloud of depression, no coma, no government, …there is just nothing that can keep God from reaching me.  And God may start something in my time of confinement that may speak to future generations.

Prayer:    Holy Spirit, there is nothing that locks me in that can ever lock you out.    Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

August 23, 2018: SOAP #3185:  Jeremiah 31-32; 1John 4

Scripture:  1John (NIV) 4:13 We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

Observation:  Many times I can remember my dad saying that we must have a “know-so” relationship.  It is not enough to hope that we are saved.  No one should be satisfied with hoping they are going to heaven.  It is too important; we must know.  The truth is that it takes a “know-so” relationship to make it into heaven.

When we are born again and God’s Holy Spirit comes to live within us, it is a noticeable change.  We know something happened!  Many times, the moment we surrender ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus and accept His forgiveness—at that moment we have a sensation that things are right!   But if there is no physiological sensation, we still know it because the God who does not lie has written it in His Word!   His Word is more trustworthy than feelings!

Application:  Great feelings, or no feelings, God’s word is true.  If I confess my sins He is faithful and just to forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness! (1John 1:9)   I know I can trust Him!  I know He has forgiven my sins!

Prayer:    Thank you, Heavenly Father, that our relationship is not based on guessing or hoping.  In faith, we can claim what you have provided.  Thank you for forgiving me and making me your child!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

August 22, 2018: SOAP #3184:  Jeremiah 28-30; 1John 3

Scripture:  1John (NIV) 3:13 Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.

Observation:  In leading up to this simple statement, John gives several reasons why this should not surprise us.  First reason: as God’s children, we are strangers to the world.  The world does not know him, so the world does not know us.  The difference is see-able!  (vs 1 & 2)   Second reason: sin is a normal part of the world.  But sin cost our Lord much suffering.  Sin is contrary to the nature of God.  Our attitude toward sin is see-able!  Third reason: we love each other.  Our love is see-able.  Jesus said that the world would know that we are his followers because we have love for each other.  (John 13:35) The world can see our love.

Application:  There are only two kingdoms in this world—the Kingdom of God consisting of those in whom God dwells by His Holy Spirit and the kingdom of the world under satan’s influence and control.  God’s goal is to reach as many people as possible and bring them into His kingdom ruled by love, joy, and peace.  God’s goal is people.   On the other side, satan’s goal is to dishonor God; he uses people to tear at the heart of God.

Prayer:    Heavenly Father, use me today to further Your Kingdom.  May Jesus shine through me, I pray.  May Your love, joy, and peace be see-able in me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

August 21, 2018: SOAP #3183:  Jeremiah 21, 24, 27; Psalm 118; 1John 2

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 118:6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies.

Observation:  Here is a simple truth around which the psalmist lived his life.  God was with him.  It was not complicated.  It was very logical.  If God is who He says He is.  If God can do what God does.  If God is omnipotent (all-powerful) and omniscient (all-knowing), if God is with him, what does he have to fear.

This was the psalmist way of saying Romans 8:28. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Fear is a form of worship.  When we fear man, we are giving to man what we should be giving to God.  The fear of God removes the fear of man.  A person who has Jesus living in their lives and yet fears man, does not yet realize what an awesome God lives within them!

Application:  If it is true that God works all things together for my good, what do I have to fear?  Like Joseph, even the bad intentions of others worked out for his good and through him for the good of others!  (Genesis 50:16-21).

Prayer:    Heavenly Father, you are the same today as in the days of Joseph and King David.  As in the 23^rd Psalm, “I will fear no evil for thou art with me!”  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

August 20, 2018: SOAP #3182:  Jeremiah 48-49; Psalm 67; 1John 1

Scripture:  1John (NIV) 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

Observation:  I have yet to meet a person claiming to have lived a perfect life.  We all have a line of acceptable behavior, and, at some time, have all fallen below our own line right and wrong.  So, as in verse 8, claiming to have never sinned is deceiving ourselves.  And, as in verse 10, claiming to have never sinned is calling God a liar for He says, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Our predicament is hopeless without the verse in the middle, verse 9.  Acknowledging the truth, agreeing with God that I have sinned, I discover that God not only forgives, He purifies me from all unrighteousness!

Application:  What a God!  He did for me what I could not do for myself!   He forgave me and purified me from all unrighteousness!  It is amazing.  And He sent the Holy Spirit to live in me empowering me to resist temptation.  And he continues to forgive me and cleanse me as needed!  I am humbled!

Prayer:    Heavenly Father, thank you for your forgiveness provided for me through the death of your Son, Jesus!  Thank you for your Holy Spirit living in me, helping me to resist temptation.  Thank you that you continue to forgive me and continue to cleanse me from all unrighteousness!  Thank you for being what I need!  It humbles me to say it, but You are the perfect God for me!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

August 19, 2018: SOAP #3181:  Jeremiah 45-47; Psalm 105; John 21

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) [Written about God leading the Israelites out of Egypt] 105:39 He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give light at night. 40 They asked, and he brought them quail and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. 41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out; like a river it flowed in the desert. 42 For he remembered his holy promise given to his servant Abraham.

Observation:  God’s promises were made to Abraham as recorded in Genesis 13:14-17.  Generations had come and gone, but God still remembered His promise.  I am so thankful God remembered His promise made to Adam after they had sinned.  He promised to send a sacrifice to cover our sins!  Generations later, Jesus came to fulfill that promise!  God’s promises are based on His character.

Application:  We can count on God’s promises because He is faithful to who He is!  It is a trait that God wants to perfect in me.  I want people to be able to trust me and depend on me because they know my character.

Prayer:    Heavenly Father, most important is that You can trust me.  Holy Spirit work in my heart, remind me of God’s promises to me and of my promises to God.  Help me be faithful to those commitments.  Help me be known as a promise keeper.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

August 18, 2018: SOAP #3180:  Jeremiah 26, 35-36; John 20

Scripture:  John (NIV) 20:3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.

Observation:   They did not see Jesus, but what they saw caused them to believe.  What did they see?  The strip of linen laying on the place where Jesus’ body had been.  What was so interesting about the strips of linen?  In the previous chapter we read: “Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them [Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus] wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.” John 19:40

The strips of linen that held the 75 pounds (John 19:39) of spices next to the dead body were still in place.  They were still wrapped around the spices, but the body was missing.

The empty grave clothes were proof that the body had not been stolen, but Jesus had risen!  The body was missing!

Application:  Sometimes the greatest testimony is what is missing.  When we become born again, and the old man is dead, and a new life is on the inside, the things that are missing are evidence of what has happened.  Some old habits are missing.  Some words are missing from our vocabulary.  Hot tempers, and impatience often disappear.

Prayer:    Holy Spirit, remove from my life anything that hinders people from seeing Jesus living in me.  May Jesus be easily seen in my life.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!