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

October 11: Nehemiah 5-6; Psalm 146; Luke 24

Scripture: Nehemiah (NIV) 6:11 But I [Nehemiah when people were trying to distract him from God’s assignment] said, “Should a man like me run away?” … 12 I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13 He had been hired to intimidate me… 15 So the wall was completed…in fifty-two days. 16 When all our enemies heard about this…they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.

Observation: Nehemiah knew that God had given him the assignment to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Of course God’s enemies had people around to intimidate him and keep him from succeeding in his mission. Some people even claimed to bring a word from God, but Nehemiah was able to see through their words. By holding true to God’s word and following through with his assignment, the completed wall became a testimony to those around that God was working with them.

Application: The better I know God’s word, the better I will be able to judge words brought to me by others. Satan will introduce thoughts into my thinking from something someone says, or something I read, or something I hear on the radio or TV. I must determine what is of God and what comes from satan. When I obey God, His work through me can be a testimony to the Great God I serve!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want my work to be a testimony to your great wisdom, your mighty power, and your continual presence in my life. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!