December 10, 2020: SOAP #4025:  2Timothy 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  2Timothy (NIV) 2:21 If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

OBSERVATION:  In verse 21 I see some worthy goals for each believer.  First: being an instrument for noble purposes speaks to me about limiting my intake of questionable things.  Some things may not be wrong, but they detract from honoring God. 
Second: no one can be holy by their own works.  We must be MADE holy by the applied blood of Jesus. 
Third:  when we know and live by our noble purpose, we become “useful to the Master.”  Jesus is not a useful add-on to our lives.  We are useful to Him!  We are use-able.  He is able to use us!  
Then we are living on His timetable.  Our will is secondary to His.  We are prepared to interrupt our schedule to be useful in His schedule.   Being “prepared to do any good work,” even the humble assignments. 

APPLICATION:  It is tempting to push ahead in ministry; we see the need; we see the potential; we run ahead to meet the challenge.  Then when the challenges overtake us, we look around to see who we can get to put their finances in our need.  If we would follow Him, instead of running ahead of Him, we would be working on His timetable.  When we arrive at the challenge, we would find He already is working on the answer.  The burden is on Him to provide for His plan.  We are free to do His will. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have contemplated about how I can use you to reach my goals.  Holy Spirit guide my thoughts as to how God can use me to accomplish His will.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

Personal update:  The labs came back to report no bacteria in the fluids removed from the lung cavity.  It was quite cloudy, so they thought there was an infection.  They are stopping any antibiotics and want to do another set of tests in two days.  Having the mitral valve ring and pacemaker, it is very important that there be no infection.  I am still having trouble with the heart rhythm, but that may resolve itself before too long.  Finally, I am still in a quarantine area, but the only symptom I have is the positive test. 

December 09, 2020: SOAP #4024:  1Timothy 5-6; Titus 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  1Timothy (NIV) 5:4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn, first of all, to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.

OBSERVATION:  As I read the scriptures, passages that tell me how to please God always stand out to me.  What does He like?  What makes Him happy? 

In the verse above, I see two things: caring for one’s family is a starting place for living a life that pleases God.  This is not something we grow into as our Christian life matures.  This is where it starts.  This is a “first of all.”  The first people to notice that something is different now that we have become a Christian should be our parents. 

The second thing I notice is that God cares for the older generations.  They are important to Him, and He wants them to be important to us!  If we love God, our goal should be to make Him smile.  We should look to do those things that bring Him joy—that make Him smile.   

APPLICATION:  The Holy Spirit is working to make us like Jesus.  We can count on Him to show us specific things to do to honor the seniors among us. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, use me to bless a senior citizen today.  Use me to speak kind words of acceptance and encouragement.  May I express your love for them through some deed of kindness.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

Personal update:  The doctors removed most of the fluid from my lung cavity today.  I can breathe much better!   Praise the Lord.  They are doing lab tests on the fluid to see what antibiotics would best serve to control infection.  Being on a COVID ward means I am isolated and can only talk to Sharon over the phone.  I am so thankful for cell phones!!!  As of now, I feel perfectly healthy.  I am blessed to be in the Lord’s presence and have shared some wonderful times of prayer over the phone. (Thank you, Doug for helping Sharon with our car today!)   

December 08, 2020: SOAP #4023 from #2196:  1Timothy 1-4

SCRIPTURES:  1Timothy (NIV) 4:13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching…
16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

OBSERVATION:  Paul was writing to instruct and encourage Timothy who was leading the church in Ephesus.  The people needed to grow in their understanding; it was important for Timothy to teach them.  But the confidence of the people in the message is closely tied to the confidence of the people in the messenger.   So, Timothy has two responsibilities.  First was to make sure he was teaching the truth.  Second was to make sure his life and actions did not distract from the message.        

APPLICATION:  This truth applies to anyone who has the responsibility of leading/teaching others, such as elders in the church, parents in the home, and leaders in our communities.   

PRAYER:   Lord, help me live in a way that enhances your truth and does not detract from it.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

Personal note:  Today I visited a cardiologist to set up a monitoring system for my pacemaker.    I mentioned to him that I was having trouble taking some breaths.  He ordered a chest x-ray that revealed my right lung had much fluid in the space.  He set up a time in the afternoon to drain some of it out.  But before doing the procedure, they took a COVID test which came back positive.  I have had no symptoms, but they must take proper precautions.  I am spending tonight in the VA hospital to have the procedure done tomorrow.  Join me in giving thanks for my wife who brought me this laptop and other necessary items.   What a blessing to know I am walking with HIM!  

December 07, 2020: SOAP #4022:  Colossians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Colossians (NIV) 3:9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

OBSERVATION:  Within the mind of man, we find many categories of people.  There are eight listed above into which people were commonly divided in Paul’s world.  But it is not so in the church.  Christ is everything; and Christ dwells in everyone in the church.  We are all in the same kingdom! 

APPLICATION:  Kingdom principles of living by faith apply around the world.  First world countries, second world countries, third world countries; “Christ is all and is in all!”  In the Kingdom, there is no American or African or Asian; there is no wealthy or poor; Kingdom principles must apply to all people in all nations.  Principles of tithing; principles of giving, principles of sowing and reaping; these are Kingdom principles!  

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, I am thankful that Kingdom principles apply to everyone in God’s Kingdom.  I pray for those with finances to sow and reap so that they will have even more to sow into the Kingdom.  But I especially pray for those looking for people to supply their lack of finances.  Honor their faith as they stretch themselves in giving.  Bless them according to your Word as they give.  Use these SOAPs to build faith in the readers, I pray.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

December 06, 2020: SOAP #4021:  Philippians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Philippians (NIV) 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

OBSERVATION:   Here is Paul’s secret to living the victorious life no matter what the circumstances.  Paul has learned to live his life through the strength of another!  Paul is not depending on his own strength.  Paul is not depending on his own wisdom.  Paul is not depending on his own resources.  Paul is confident that Christ can supply his every need.

APPLICATION:  Paul inserts this truth into a passage in which he is expressing his appreciation for those who sent money to support his team and their ministry.  (Please read verses 10-19)   Paul is not writing this to motivate his readers to give more; he is writing to thank them for what they had already given.  In mentioning that they had repeatedly sent finances, he makes it clear that he is not doing so in expectation that they send more. 

Paul recognizes that their offerings were given to God and that God would reward the givers by meeting their needs.  God had used the givers to meet Paul’s needs and Paul expected God to meet the needs of the givers!  

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you love to bless givers. Givers share in your character.  May I bless you by giving to others.  And when I am unable to bless those who give to me, I count on you to bless them.    Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

December 05, 2020: SOAP #4020:  Ephesians 5-6; Psalm 119:1-80

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 119:14 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. …
72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

OBSERVATION:  The psalmist had key values set in his heart.  The Word of God was more valuable than “great riches.”  Others would rejoice in their great wealth; the psalmist would rejoice in having God’s Word.  The possession of God’s Word was precious; it was of greater value “than thousands of pieces of silver and gold!”

APPLICATION:  Almost daily I receive requests for money.  The words “money” or “finance” are hardly ever used.  They are usually requesting “support” or “partnering.”   

The Lord has made it clear to me that instead of sending money, I need to work to build their faith in a God who is continually with them and has unlimited resources!   He can provide without money, and from their own circumstances (like feeding the Israelites coming out of Egypt), He can motivate people to send money (like people sending money to Paul’s ministry).  But those giving will be responding to God’s leading.  Paul always thanked those who supported him, but he never tried to convince them to send him money.    

I like to refer them to internet articles about George Mueller who housed and fed 10,000 orphans only through prayer.  Yes, God is still able!!! 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, Israel was looking for a king to deliver them from Rome; you sent them a baby in a manger!  Today there are people looking, and needing, money, but you have me give them Your Word.  Use it to build faith in our hearts.  May you be glorified as our eyes are upon you!   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

December 03, 2020: SOAP #4018:  Romans 13-16

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 15:13  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

OBSERVATION:  Much of our hope is based on the on the reputation, on the abilities, and on the willingness of those who can help us.  We are more hopeful that the emergency surgery will turn out good when the nurse tells us that the doctor on call has done hundreds of similar surgeries and is the best in the state.  I am more hopeful that the bank will help me when my friend tells me how they were helped in a similar crisis.

APPLICATION:  If Leon bases his hope on the reputation, the abilities and willingness of God of hope, then Leon should never run out of hope!   I need to just keep trusting Him and singing, “It is no secret, what God can do!  What He’s done for others, He’ll do for you.  With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you.  It is no secret; what God can do.”  (Stuart Hamblen)

PRAYER:  Lord, use me to build hope in others by telling them what you have done, and are doing, for me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

Personal note:  Today I had a follow-up visit with the surgeon who repaired the mitral valve in my heart.  I have had some trouble at times getting my breath and my O2 levels have been low.  After listening to my heart and getting an EKG, he re-admitted me to the hospital where I am now.  My heart has reverted to afib beat and is going too fast.  Through the night they will be giving me some medicine to help regulate it; if necessary they may attempt to shock it back into a regular rhythm in the morning.  Like before, God is not with me; I am with Him and His Presence fills this room.  Me and my uke are worshipping Him.  How special!  

December 02, 2020: SOAP #4017: Romans 9-12

SCRIPTURE: Romans (NIC) 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counsellor?” 35 “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

OBSERVATION: Many times I have walked away from reading the Bible with my heart overflowing in gratitude and amazement at God’s wisdom. The revelation of God in His Word stirs my heart. His plan to redeem sinful man by the death of a sinless man surpasses all of earth’s wisdom. And His plan to supply that sinless man by sending His Son, Jesus, is beyond words. Who would ever doubt the validity of That Sacrifice! Who could ever doubt the love that sent such a Redeemer! Who can ever fully understand the riches of the characteristics of such a heart!

APPLICATION: The more I ponder the wonders of God, the more I should prepare myself to be amazed. His character goes far beyond my capabilities to understand. Yet His love for me is undeniable and unquestioned!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, for from you and through you are all things. To you belongs the glory forever! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 01, 2020: SOAP #4016:  Romans 5-8

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 5:10 For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

OBSERVATION:  It took His death to get us, but He keeps us through His life!   And what a life it is.  It is a life that has been tempted and tested in every way yet without sin. It is a life that has been through death, rising in triumph over death, hell, and the grave! In Christ’s death, God paid for our sins, justifying us, making us just as if we had never sinned, giving us a standing like Adam.  But unlike Adam, God did not just visit us in the “cool of the evening” to walk with us in the garden.  He knew that we would end up doing the same thing Adam and Eve did.  We would sin.  He does not just visit WITH us; He takes up residence IN us!   This is not a “cool of the evening” “walk with God” relationship.  This is a 24/7 relationship.  This is 24 hours a day and 7 days a week!  This is so much better! In reconciling us, the emphasis is on His atoning death; in keeping us, the emphasis is on His indwelling life!

APPLICATION:  I need to remind myself every morning and many times during the day that the God who created me loves me and lives in me!  I am not alone!  I do not face my challenges alone.  If a problem is too big for me, it is not too big for Him.  Every time I take communion, “I show forth His death till He comes.” (1Corinthians 11:16) But every day I live “I should show forth His LIFE, till he comes!”

PRAYER:   Lord, every trouble, problem, challenge I face today, I face with you.  You do not leave me to go it alone.  Let your life be seen in me!  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

November 30, 2020: SOAP #4015:  Romans 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 3:20 Therefore no-one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. …
23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans (NIV) 3:21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, …
24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

OBSERVATION:  Verses 20 and 23 above show the hopelessness of ever gaining God’s approval.  If God wants me to have His approval, He will have to do something Himself.  Verses 21-22 and 24 are full of hope because that is what God did!  A righteousness I could never earn has been provided by God!  I gain it by faith.  I gain a “not guilty standing” before God as I accept Jesus sacrifice as the payment for my sins. 

APPLICATION:  The more I read the book of Romans, the more my heart overflows with gratitude. 

It was an impossible situation.  The man God created and loved had become tainted with sin and could never be allowed into heaven, the holy dwelling of the Most Holy God.  The love relationship God desired with His creation was ruined.  But God found a way.  In great cost to Himself, He sent the perfectly holy Jesus to live among men and die for their sins!   All who by faith receive the sacrifice of Jesus have their sins forgiven and can enter God’s Holy Heaven just as if they had never sinned!  

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, your wisdom amazes me.  You found a way to remain holy yet allow me to enter your presence!  Thank you for cleaning me by the blood shed on Calvary. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!