3-8-2017 Wisdom

This is the next to last night of this revival. I have preached about Faith, The Heart, The Presence of God and tonight it is Wisdom.The need for wisdom in our lives is quite evident. We find ourselves in the middle of problems, debt, pain and grief because we don't use wisdom. God has wisdom to give us but we seldom ask for it. "You have not because you ask not" applies to wisdom as well as the temporal, transit and the consumable. "Ask and you shall receive" is a way to start finding wisdom. Finding wisdom will aid in the application of wisdom, After all; what good are things we don't use.

May we all slow down just enough to hear the voice of God.......applied wisdom!

3-6-2017 Arizona Trip

Blessed with time visiting my Brother and looking at several homes for our parents. They may be moving to Phoenix soon and we want to do some of the leg work for them. Moving is so much fun.....NOT. Slow and easy day today; making some ice, changing some of the storage bins in the RV and preparing for my sermon. Preaching about Heart Surgery, not the physical kind....Spiritual. Service doesn't start until seven p.m. so extra time to rest I guess that's alright because this is our vacation as well as an evangelistic journey.

Good attendance tonight and several came forward to be prayed for. Not the breakthrough I am wanting, but still progress. These folks don't mind staying late and then still like to go eat afterward....my kind of people.

3-3-2017 Arizona

Sleeping better and longer these days. Must be this mountain air. The wind is blowing and rocking the trailer. Took off at 10:30 (again) and could only drive 50 to 55 mph because of the wind. Being pushed sideways by strong gusts make me nervous. One gust hit so hard that the steps on the trailer popped out so I pulled over to put them back......found a short piece of rope laying on the side of the road so I tied them up. How strange, a piece of rope laying on the side of the road, in the middle of nowhere, just the right length, right where I stopped......thank you Lord. Pulled into Phoenix traffic and remembered why I love the country so much. Our navigator warned us of an accident ahead and gave us a route around it; right into a closed road. Sixteen miles too far west, fourteen miles back east, six miles back north and pow; on the original route in the middle of the accident slowdown. I can now put this rig in some tight places. We arrived at Mountain of Life church at 5:30 and set up before dark. John and Cathy came and picked us up and out to supper.....Texas Road House.....yum!

All that traffic made me think of how we get in a hurry, push, shove and compete with each other to be in the front of the line. I would like to see the same effort and enthusiasm going into our spiritual lives. Can you just see it in your mind? People driving around and around the church parking lot hunting a spot, lines of cars at the stop light setting through five or six cycles just turn towards the church. Rushing to God's house to worship. Yes....I am a dreamer.

Sabbatical: Day 4

This being the Sabbath we started the day in the hotel briefing room. Our speaker was a Palestinian Affairs Correspondent. He shared his roll in keeping a balance to the reporting of Palestinian news. He told us that most Palestinian people are not angry with Israel and want peace to prevail but that none of the leaders have the courage to publicly state these views. The radical factions are hated as much by the Palestinian people as they are by the rest of the world and there is fear of reprisal if the leaders were to speak out. The news I hear in America never speaks of the Palestinian/Israel relationship in a positive manner and I was surprised to learn that Israel is full of Palestinian people that will stay in Israel even if a two-state solution is reached. They are safe in Israel and enjoy that safety. 

All of our tour today will be on foot because our guide is observant of the Sabbath. (no cars, phones or electricity used) From our hotel we walked up the home of Caiaphas and I stood in the room where Jesus was held on the night of his arrest. This room was a ceremonial cleansing pool with two sets of steps, one to enter (unclean) and the other to exit after cleansing. When Jesus was put there it had about four feet of water in it and it would have been easy to guard. The roof has a hole about eighteen inches wide to fill the pool with rain water. This pool is the same pool used to cleans the High Priest before he went into the Holy of Hollies once a year. How fitting that our Saviour was put into this room before he (as our High Priest) went to the cross. The air was electric in that room as I could feel the glory of God filling every fiber of my being. I was on the mind of my Jesus as he faced the cross for me and in that room all I had on my mind was his love for me.

Out in the garden we sat where Peter sat as he denied knowing Jesus. Pastor Scott preached a sermon of forgiveness for Peter and for all of us to consider. Peter was told ahead of time that he would fail and fail he did but repentance brought him relief and victory. We should never plan to fail but when we do fail there is Forgiveness, Mercy and Grace through our loving Saviour.

Down the way we were at the pool of Bethesda and walked the Via Dolorosa through the Arab market and on to the upper room. Each step was marked with information as to the ministry of Jesus. Our guide went a little to fast in this area and we lagged behind. I was not up to his fast pace as by now we had covered over four miles. Not since boot camp had I carried a heavy pack on such a long journey (boot camp was forty five years ago). I thought of the pain of Jesus as he carried that heavy cross. I thought of the beating he received. I thought of the weight of sin he was facing for me and I could not complain. In the upper room we spoke of family, togetherness and the sharing of the first communion. Love was the theme and that is what I felt, Love, Love and more Love. Back out into the market area we shared lunch and did a little shopping. The Arab merchants treated us in a most friendly manner, even when we did not spend any money with them. These people were citizens of Israel and told us of their love for Israel and America. (not what I expected) I found one man that was a Dallas Cowboys Fan and he thought that maybe I played football for them because I was so big and I was from Texas. Lots of friendship, laughing and fun in this market.

As we began our turn back to the hotel we passed the south wall of the old city and sat on the steps of the Temple Mount. These were the very steps that Jesus walked as they took him into the city to complete his trial. I walked back and forth on these stones to be sure that my foot would land on a spot that Jesus had touched himself. I was exhausted from all this walking but an anointing rested upon me as I prayed (in tongues) and thanked my Lord for loving me and calling me into his family. I remember how lost I was and how sweet the relief when my sin was destroyed on an old fashion alter of mourning. Tears flowed like a rain from my eyes, tears of joy. I was there, me, standing on the Temple Steps as much in the presence of God as ever in my life.

By the time we were back to the hotel we had covered almost seven miles, walking, on a hot summer day, carrying  heavy pack and ready for a needed rest. We still had a banquet to attend with Pastor Hagee, so, up to our room to clean up and back down to another five course meal and some real private time with this wonderful man and his wife. They opened up to us, answered all our questions, and shared their vision for American/Israeli relationships. My first Sabbath in Israel.....a perfect day!  

The Law

There is a LAW of God called "sowing and reaping". This law is very simple: plant wheat and wheat will grow, plant corn and corn will grow, plant hate and hate will grow, plant love and love will grow. This law is the same for every person and every household and every nation. Evil and wickedness have been planted far too long in America and these are the days of harvest. God offers a comfort to endure the harvest but we can't avoid our consequences of folly. We need a "year of Jubilee"to start over. This must start in our heart, my heart and yours, one person at a time, then we can stand together and become the Americans our forefathers envisioned. Plant the crop you desire to harvest..........because you will harvest!

8-27-2015      Luke 9:57-62

S.       57And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 59And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

O.      Following Jesus requires a total commitment.

A.      I am glad that God has patience with me as I unhook from my worldly ways. My attitudes and attachments are my battle field. There is hope and faith to win in these most difficult areas.

P.       Father; give me divine guidance as I move closer and closer into your desired will for my 

        life. Increase my wisdom as I renew my commitment to you. Amen.

Peace

The only peace I see these days is in the advertising for the cruse lines. People are covered with bad news on every side. War, hate, crime are flowing onto the screen, and that's just the report in D.C.
I am glad that I don't need some reporter to feed me the good news. The Lord is my peace, my hope and my Joy. If you look in the right place you will find......Peace.

9-12-2015      Luke 9:6

S.       6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere.

O.      The ministry of the twelve.

A.      God would have me to share all that he has done in my life, my salvation, my healing and all my victories.

P.       Father; lead me to the ones that I should minister to today and I will speak of you. Amen.

Restoration!

This is a day of restoration. God can restore your life to what it was before you sinned. You must ask, expect (believe), and receive. Won't you come to service today and receive your restoration? See you there.

S,O,A,P,

5-3-2015         Luke 1:21-22

S.       21And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.22And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.

O.      God carries out the pronounced action on Zacharias.

A.      God will always keep his word. I must be careful to be obedient to every command of God.

    P.       Father; teach me your word and imprint it on my heart. Guide me by your Holy Spirit that I                may be perfect in your eyes. Amen. 

Catching up.

Here are several days of my SOAP. 

4-16-2015      Romans 15:8-9

S.       8Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:9And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

O.      Jesus confirms the law to the Jews and includes the Gentiles.

A.      All people need to hear the gospel and know that Jesus can clean them from their sin. I will treat all people in an equal manner as I minister the truth.

P.       Father; teach me to love and honor all peoples. Let me see them through your eyes. Amen.

4-17-2015      Romans 15:10-12

S.       10And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.11And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.12And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

O.      Jesus is Lord of the Gentiles.

A.      Walls of separation must be torn down between Jews and Gentiles because Jesus is Lord of both. I will speak everywhere of God’s love for all people groups.

P.       Father; make me a voice for unity and love to the ones I meet today. Amen.

4-18-2015      Romans 15:13

S.       13Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

O.      Believe unto hope.

A.      I rejoice in the knowledge of my salvation. I have hope and it fills me with joy. Love lifted me out of the death of sin and gives me life, joy, peace and hope.

P.       Father; thank you for calling me out of sin. Thank you for giving me a reason to live. Take my life and spend it as you will. Amen.

4-19-2015      Romans 15:14-16

S.       14And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.15Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,16That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

O.      Paul explains his ministry responsibility to the Gentiles.

A.      God will direct his ministers to certain places and people. I must be aware of this direction in my everyday life.

P.       Father; show me the holy path for today. Guide me to the right place and help me to speak the right words. Use me as your voice. Amen.

Jesus and the cross

This is the day we must remember the cross that Jesus was murdered on. He went there to set us free from sin, to give us a way of escape and to call man back into harmony with God. Love held him to the cross, not the nails. Jesus went to the cross to "show" his love for you.

S.O.A.P.

4-3-2015         Romans 13:9-10

S.       9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

O.      How love works towards others.

A.      The proof of how I love others is found in how I treat them. All the sins listed are committed affecting others, hurting, stealing, and lying and so on. I will keep it in my mind of how my sin might be against others. My life touches so many people so I must be a good example.

P.       Father; make me an example of your love and teach me how to forgive. Amen. 

Save Some For SUNDAY!

The week-end is here. Time to get the work done around the house, wash the car and visit friends and family. Busy, busy, busy ...... REMEMBER .... Save some for SUNDAY!

S.O.A.P.

3-28-2015      Romans 12:11

S.       11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

O.      Be honest and hardworking with spiritual sincerity.

A.      I will be spiritually minded as I do my work. My word will be as good as a written contract.

P.       Father; show me the pattern for holy living from your word. Speak to me by your Holy Spirit and reveal any weakness or sin within me. Amen.

His return may be today.

Are you ready? Are you watching? Jesus is closer than anyone can imagine! You have seen these words many times and nothing has happened, so, you keep going along just as always. You don't believe that it will ever happen .... but it will. Start living like you believe he will come today ... each day will be a testimony of faith.

S.O.A.P.

3-27-2015      Romans 12:9-10

S.       9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

O.      How we must treat each other.

A.      Love is my guiding factor in how I treat others. I will treat others the way I want to be treated.

P.       Father; Fill me with love and teach me how to give that love to others. Amen.

Praying for.......

It is a joy to pray for the people of God. I pray for Israel. I pray for Tanzania. I pray for Elm Grove and all her sister churches. I pray for peace and lost souls. I pray for the back-slid-den and the lost. Our Lord is soon to return. He will catch up his children that are ready and watching. My desire is to see all my friends at that meeting in the air.

S.O.A.P.

3-23-2015      Romans 12:1-2

S.       1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

O.      The body must be brought into subjection and man must not conform to sinful practices.

A.      I will give myself to God, body, soul and spirit (heart & soul) without reservation. I will abandon sin and be led by the law of God and the Holy Spirit. I am no longer my own; I belong to God and I love him.

P.       Father; seal me safely into your family thru the blood of Jesus. Guide my steps into holy joy. Amen. 

Church CLOSED......due to ice.

Ice is keeping me in today. Safety is more important to me than any other consideration today. There will be NO SERVICE this morning. I will wait until later in the day to decide about tonight's services. Please stay off the ice and pray for each other. 

S.O.A.P.

3-1-2015         Romans 8:32

S.       32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

O.      All things are from God through his son Jesus.

A.      Anything I need I can have through my Saviour, Jesus. Not just the earthly things like a house, car, food but the heavenly things; faith, grace, peace, joy and love. All that I need to liv a holy life are mine.

    P.       Father; I am grateful for your abundant love, mercy and grace. Make me the man that you                want me to be. I surrender my will unto you. Amen. 

The return of Christ may be Today

Jesus is coming to remove his faithful, watching, prepared servants. It could be today........are you ready, are you wearing a wedding garment that is without spot or wrinkle? Modern Christianity seems to be failing when it comes to preparing itself to meet Jesus. When every thought or action is centered on self (catering to the flesh) no room for serving God remains. Me, me, me, I, I, I, are traps created by too much interest in the flesh and the flesh decays into sin every time. Jesus may return today.

S,O,A.P.

2-24-2015      Romans 8:16-18

S.       16 the Spirit itself Beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

O.      One becomes a joint-heir with Christ when the Spirit of God enters and sin is overcome. Suffering leads to glory.

A.      I am adopted into God’s family and made an heir by accepting (believing and repenting) the substitutionary work of Jesus on the cross, converting (abandoning all sinful practices), welcoming the Holy Spirit to abide within (filled with the Spirit) and fellowshiping and worshiping God every day on my life’s journey.

    P.     Father; reveal to me the things that hinder our fellowship and help me conquer my flesh by                the power of Grace. Amen.  

Victory

With every great battle comes a great victory.  Looking ahead to that victory in the middle of the battle is where our faith comes in. Do not quit! Do not even think of defeat! With God ALL things are possible.

S.O.A.P.

1-26-2015      Romans 6:8-10

S.       8 now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

O.      Dying to sin brings eternal life.

A.      Avoiding sin is a constant war that must be won. God gives me the word, the Holy Spirit and fellow Christians so I can be victorious. With His help I can live a holy life, but, only with his help.

P.       Father; I desire to live pleasing you, helping others and overcoming any sin that I may be tempted with. Help me to be this person. Amen.

46TH Wedding Anniversary

Forty six years ago, on a Wednesday night before evening service, Nancy and I stood before the pastor and became husband and wife. I was eighteen and she was sixteen and most people thought we were too young to get married, that it would not last, well they were wrong! I am married to the most wonderful woman in the world, She is beautiful, talented, strong, hard working, intelligent and best of all she is a woman of God. Nancy is also a fun person to be around and we laugh and smile and our days are filled with joy. I thank God that he gave me a perfect wife. Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart, I love you more with each passing year.

S.O.A.P.

1-8-2015         Romans 2: 12-20

S.       12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

O.      The Jews were to follow all the law, exclude nothing, and those acts would be counted as righteousness and they could teach or lead other peoples. If they avoid any part they would be guilty of sin before God.

A.      God’s covenant with me is sealed by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross when I follow all of his commands. Like the Jewish law, if I turn my back on any one of his commands I will be guilty. This is an “all or nothing” covenant; God commands, I obey.

P.       Father; give me insight into your word as I hide it in my heart. Reveal my every sin and weakness by your Holy Spirit. I cannot overcome sin alone; I come to you in the name of your son, Jesus, for direction, cleansing, and overcoming power to fully walk in your perfect will. Amen.

Change is Good

Today I will say goodbye to a special blessing of my life. Change is coming so quickly this year that my head is spinning. Change requires adjustment, re-thinking, evaluation and some rearranging. For many years I have kept old cars around, repairing, upgrading and certainly enjoying driving them around. Today I deliver my favorite old car to it's new owner. I have my memories and lots of pictures to cherish and enjoy. May the new owner be blessed with joy as I have been. Goodbye old friend. (sorry for the mush, just feeling a little sentimental today)

S.O.A.P.

1-6-2014         Romans 2:1-5

S.       1Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

O.      God judges in truth and is patient and kind thus giving sinful man opportunity to repent. When we judge others and are guilty of the same things our judgment will condemn us.

A.      My judgment will be of myself and the parameters of that judgment will be God’s Holy Word. I will not throw stones!

P.       Father; reveal your judgments to my mind and soul. Lead me and keep me strong in the faith as I lean on you. Help me to see others through your eyes and love with a holy love. Amen. 

deep hurt

Praying for a Brother today that has a deep hurt. Asking God to lift him past this pain and set him free. He has carried this for many years and it effects every area of his life. He has a wall built around him and he keeps everyone out, even God. My heart breaks for this man, he is alone, in fear and knows little comfort or peace. God; please hear my plea; set my brother free and love him through me. Show him that the lie he is hearing is from satan (I never use a capital for satan), the father of all deception. Amen.

S.O.A.P.

1-5-2015         Romans 1:25-32

S.       25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

O.      These sins are unto death. No person active in these sins will be considered holy, righteous or a child of God. God calls them “reprobate”.

A.      This list of sins describes common practices of everyday America. I must warn as many as I can of the possibility of being condemned by God. Man must come to the place where he hates sin, all sin and especially sexual sin. The love of God is the only way of being set free from these sins. Please Lord; show the world your love through me.

P.       Father in Heaven; reach out to the people trapped in sexual sin and show them a way out, a path of deliverance, a holy and pure standing in your eyes. Keep me from being judgmental, hard or self-righteous when ministering to these deceived individuals. Amen.

Praying for others.

You load sixteen tons, what do get, another day older and deeper in debt, Saint Peter don't call me cause I can't go, I  owe my soul to the company store. Woke up singing that this morning. Don't know why, not even heard it in many years. Praying this morning for all the soldiers around the world. Praying for everyone that may read this page; God bless you with health and give you extra Joy! Amen.

S.O.A.P.

1-2-2015         Romans 1:8-15

S.       8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

O.      Paul prays for the Christians at Rome and tells of his desire to minister among them.

A.      Praying for others is my primary reason to pray. When each of us prays for the others we learn not to be too self-centered, self-important and selfish. As I pray for you and you pray for me all our needs are brought before God and we also learn love for one another.

P.       Father; teach me to pray as I should, to focus outside myself. Amen. 

Romans

Trouble, trials and a stretching of our faith on this first day of the new year. Both daughters in hospital and wife and I are trying to cover all the needs as well as possible. Nancy spent the night with Christi and for the first time in our 46 years of married life we were apart on new years eve. Roads may be icing over and we need to get back and forth. We will find out if I can still drive in bad weather. Pray protecting Angels over me Please. God gave us a wonderful "Last" service at church last night, sweet spirit and many wonderful testimonies on last years blessings.
Blessed New Year and welcome 2015!

S.O.A.P.

1-1-2015              Romans 1:1-7

S.       1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

O.      Paul’s salutation to the Saints at Rome and his declaration of Jesus the Christ.

A.      Paul speaks of several important aspects in this salutation: He identifies Jesus in all his power and glory, declares peace to his readers and calls them saints. I need to remember every day that I am in Jesus. I am not a looser, a failure, a sinner; I am a holy follower of Jesus Christ, an overcomer. I am a saint, made so by the cleansing blood of Calvary.

P.       Father; cleans my memories of the stain of sin. Renew a right spirit within me and reveal the mind of Christ to me. Amen.