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

February 6: Leviticus 1-3: Acts 13

Scripture: Acts (NIV) 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Observation: It seems to me that these two characteristics go hand in hand: being filled with joy and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Being joyful is not necessarily a sign that one is filled with the Holy Spirit. But being filled with the Holy Spirit is commonly expressed in joy. Romans 14:17, 15:13 and 1Thessalonians 1:6 all speak of the joy of a spirit filled life, even in tough times.
We have all seen people going through a tough time at their work, but they are joyful because they know that their vacation starts in two days.

Application: I have something better than a vacation starting in two days; I have the Holy Spirit living in me TODAY, RIGHT NOW! I can heartily sing that little chorus: Joy is the flag flown high from the castle of my heart…when the King is in residence there! So fly it high in the sky, let the whole world know…that the King is in residence there!

Prayer: Holy Spirit, I desire Your joy to be seen in me. Not a manufactured joy, not a pretend joy, but an authentic joy that displays Your Presence! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!