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

January 29: Exodus 23-24; Psalm 14; Acts 5

Scripture: Acts (NIV) 5:3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened.

Observation: Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold a piece of property and gave an offering to the church, pretending that they were giving the complete price of the sale. But they had agreed to keep back a part of the money for themselves. Earlier Jesus had told them, that what people did to the least of his disciples, they did it unto him. He would take it personal. In this passage, indeed He did! They did not just lie to man, but to God!

Application: There are several applications of this truth. When I am under attack, I know that Jesus takes it personal. And when I am blest by someone, I know that Jesus takes that personal too. And the same truth that applies to what I receive, also applies to what I give. If I attack my brother and sister, Jesus takes it personal. If I bless a brother or sister, Jesus takes it personal.

Prayer: Lord, these truths make me want to be very careful what I do or say to your children. I want to be an encourager and give a blessing. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!