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

August 26: Jeremiah 50-51; 3John

Scripture: 3John (MSG) 5 Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible. 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: Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35) In the verses above John was commending Gaius for doing just that. My mom, a farmer’s daughter and the youngest of fifteen children, told me that missionaries and preachers traveling through their area often stayed in their home. This is a way to make the faith visible.

Application: I trust that we have been a blessing to those who have stayed in our home, but one thing of which I am certain: they have definitely been a blessing to us! Hosting traveling Christian ministers in our home, or providing a shared meal with them in a restaurant we have always come away blest!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know there are many ways to bless your people. Show me how I can bless someone today. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!