Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

February 9: Leviticus 10-12; Acts 16

Scripture: Acts (NIV) 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose.

Observation: Paul and Silas had been beaten with many stripes and then placed in the custody of the jailer with instructions to guard them carefully. Taking no chances, “he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.” Their circumstances were bad, their feet were bound; but their hearts were free. It was more than a concert for prisoners. Someone more important was listening that night. Their song was heard in the courts of heaven and stirred the heart of God.

Application: Many times sorrow is expressed through music. But it was not sorrow or hurt or self-pity that was in the songs of Paul and Silas—it was praise to God! My heart has often been lifted from the prison of my circumstances by the anthem of praise.

Prayer: Lord, you are always worthy of my praise! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

February 8: Leviticus 7-9; Acts 15

Scripture: Acts (NIV) 15:7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe.
8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us.
9 He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.

Observation: The early church was going through a tough transition. Gentiles were being saved and becoming a part of the church. They were wrestling with the question as to whether or not the Gentiles would need to become Jewish believers and keep the Law of Moses. Here Peter reminded that that God had already decided the issue. God had given them the Gentile believers the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44-48) just as he had given to the Jewish believers earlier on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4). God had not required them to become Jewish.

Application: There have been times when I struggled with what was acceptable or unacceptable. In searching the scriptures and prayer, I have usually discovered that God had already decided the issue. I have found that the more I get to know Him, the better I am able to discern what is acceptable and what is unacceptable.

Prayer: Lord, I want to become so close to you, so familiar with your character, and so in touch with your Spirit that I will easily understand what is acceptable and unacceptable to you. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

February 7: Leviticus 4-6; Acts 14

Scripture: Acts (NIV) 14:26 From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed.
27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.

Observation: They had completed their work, but the job was not yet done. It would not be fully completed until they gave a report to those who had sent them out. (Acts 13:3) The senders should also be able to enjoy the fruit of their labor. With Facebook today it is often possible to keep senders informed daily without waiting for the completion of the ministry. It is a good way to remind people to pray for their ministry as well as to help them pray with understanding. (Thank you Paul Conger and your team presently in Peru.)

Application: I need to be careful to keep people informed. Ministry is not completed until the report has been given and thanks have been expressed!

Prayer: Lord, thanks must first be given to you. Holy Spirit remind me to give a report and thanks to those deserving. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

February 6: Leviticus 1-3: Acts 13

Scripture: Acts (NIV) 13:2 While they were worshipping the LORD and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.
3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
4 The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.

Observation: In these verses we see the official beginning of Paul’s (then known as Saul) missionary journeys. It is notable to see the coordination of the work of the church and the Holy Spirit. Verse 3 reads that they were sent off by the church. Verse 4 reads that they were sent by the Holy Spirit. They were sent out by the church in Antioch and later they reported back to the church in Antioch.

Application: It is no surprise to me that God gives authority to those who are under authority. In submission one learns to lead. If I cannot submit to others, I am not qualified to lead. If I cannot hear the will of God for my life through people God has placed in my life, I probably cannot hear His will from God. My ministry is greatly hindered when I cannot submit to the authorities God has placed in my life.

Prayer: Lord, In complete submission to your Father’s will, you became the Head of the church. You are the perfect example of a submitted leader. Keep reminding me of this. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

February 5: Exodus 39-40; Psalm 15; Acts 12

Scripture: Acts (NIV) 12:10 They [Peter being led out of prison by an angel] passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him…
[Peter then goes to John Mark’s home where people are praying. The servant girl who responded to his knock became so excited she ran to tell the people but did not open the door.]
16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.

Observation: If the angel who opened the prison gate would have continued with Peter, the angel could have opened the door to John Mark’s home. But he did not continue with Peter, so Peter had to wait outside until someone finally opened the door. It was easier for Peter to get out of prison than for him to get into the prayer meeting! God did for them what they could not do, but expected them to do what they could do.

Application: I have seen that many of God’s works have a part that only He can do AND a part he expects me to do. To feed the 5000, Jesus used the lunch a young boy was willing to give. Jesus will bring salvation but it is my part to tell the good news. It is my part to reach out and touch; it is His part to heal. Sometimes my part is only to open the door.

Prayer: Lord, I know you will be faithful to do your part. Today I want you to find me faithful in doing my part. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

February 4: Exodus 37-38; Psalm 19; Acts 11

Scripture: Psalm (NIV) 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Observation: In verses 7-11, the Psalmist writes how God’s words revive the soul, make the simple wise, rejoice the heart, and enlighten the eyes. He says they are more valuable than gold and sweeter than honey. Surely the Psalmist was thinking that having God’s words set the boundaries for his words and setting his mind to ponder what God has said would be acceptable to the Lord.

Application: Not just my words, which those around me can hear, but also my thoughts, which no one but God knows, can be acceptable to the Lord. Since He lives in me and shares this body with me, it is my desire to make Him feel at home. As He moves among my words and thoughts, may He say, “This place sounds like heaven. I feel right at home in this life.”

Prayer: Lord, Make Yourself at home in me. I want you to feel welcome and comfortable. I want you to enjoy living in me. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

February 3: Exodus 35-36; Acts 10

Scripture: Acts (NIV) 10:34 So Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

Observation: Peter had been told by an angel to go with the people who would ask for him. Those looking for him were Gentiles, people with whom the Jews had as little contact as possible. The Jews considered themselves as special, as God’s chosen people. They did not realize that they were chosen because God wanted to reach the Gentiles!

Application: The New International Version reads, “God shows no partiality!” The King James Version reads, “God is no respecter of persons.” In the life of Leon it should read, “God highly values every person.” There are no unimportant people. Everyone has value.

Prayer: Lord, may your love for all people be easily seen in me. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

February 2: Exodus 33-34; Psalm 16; Acts 9

Scripture: Psalm (NIV) 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Observation: What a great thought about heaven. Our future is bright. In His Presence will be joy and eternal pleasures.

Application: But what a greater thought when I consider that He has made me His dwelling and that I never leave His Presence!!! It is not just "You will fill me with joy," but also, "You have filled me with joy!!!" Praise the Lord! It is good to look forward to the "eternal pleasures" but even better to enjoy the ones we have at present in His presence!

Prayer: Lord, I have joy because of you! You not only give me joy, You are my joy! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

February 1: Exodus 30-32; Acts 8

Scripture: Acts (NIV) 8:26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”…
29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”…
39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.

Observation: Philip had an everyday, talking with, walking with, and doing what he says type of relationship with the Lord. God could speak to Philip and Philip did not have to put out a fleece or look in the scriptures for confirmation before doing what God commanded. Philip could recognize God’s voice. God said it; Philip did it.

Application: The question is not: does the Holy Spirit speak to people today? The question is: am I listening for His voice? If I am listening, I will hear. How much distraction does God have to work through until He has me able to hear His voice?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the quiet moments in my heart throughout each day in which I can hear your voice. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!