Bible Gems for Daily Living

This is page one of Bible Gems for daily living. 

It is 24/7, by Pastor Leon Hiebert 
S.O.A.P., December 1, 2010; Romans 5-8

Scripture:  Romans 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:   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 in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8).  But unlike Adam, God does not just visit us in the "cool of the evening" to walk with us in the garden.  He knows 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 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 have it so much better than Adam.  God does not just visit me, He lives in me!!!  Not only can I rely on His wisdom, I can also rely on His power to overcome sin.   It is truly amazing!!! 
Prayer:   Lord, You are always with me and are always welcome to speak to me at any time.  There is no area in my life in which I do not need your input.   Amen.   

Something to Celebrate, by Pastor Leon Hiebert 
S.O.A.P., September 19, 2010; Luke 2.

Scripture:  Ezekiel 48: 35  …And the name of the city from that time on will be: THE LORD IS THERE.
Observation:    The city described at the close of Ezekiel’s book is not only named after the Lord, but specifically after His Presence!  Many towns in the USA have the name of their founder or some prominent citizen.  We understand that having that name does not necessarily mean that the person so honored ever lived in that city, or if he once did, lives there now.  He may have lived elsewhere, yet accomplished something that affected the town.  He may have lived there, but since moved.  He may have lived there, but since died.  However in this city, named "THE LORD IS THERE" one will find that the Lord has neither moved nor died!   He is present!     
Application:    The Lord’s Presence is something to be celebrated.  That the Lord is present in my life is something I should celebrate!   Also, it should be something that is obvious to others. 
Prayer:   Lord, what would my life be without Your Presence!   I am so grateful that you have chosen to live in me!  Amen. 

The Quick and the Slow, by Pastor Leon Hiebert 
S.O.A.P., December 15, 2010; James 1:19.  

Scripture:  James 1:19  My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
20 for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Observation:  Always being quick to speak can be a symptom of pride.  It is expressing that what I am saying is more important than what you are want to say.  It is more important that everyone hear what I have to say than what you have to say.
However being quick to listen is an expression that says, “What you have to say is important.  I can learn from you.”
Being slow to speak and quick to listen helps keep anger from raging as I grow in understanding.  And that understanding can help me focus my anger in a beneficial way rather than a destructive way.
Application:    Words tend to rush out of my mouth when I am not quick to listen.  My anger may motivate someone to fear God, but it does not motivate a heart to love God. 
Prayer:   Lord, help listening always win the race over talking!  May the desire to listen get to my ears before the urge to say something gets to my mouth!  Amen.