February 4, 2016:  SOAP #2254:   

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 11:23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Observation:   News had arrived to the Jerusalem church about a revival in Antioch.  They sent Barnabas to check on what was happening and to be of help as he could.  Barnabas did not focus his attention on the fact that Gentiles were joining the church, but focused his attention on what God was doing.  He saw “the evidence of the grace of God.”  Instead of being critical, he “was glad.”  He added his encouragement to what God was doing.  (Note:  this was the same pattern of ministry Barnabas had with Saul then later with John Mark.)

Application:   First: look for the hot ember in the dying fire.  Second: blow encouragingly on it until it burst into flames.  First: I must look for “the evidence of the grace of God” at work in someone’s life.  Second: I add my encouragement to what God is already doing.  This is a great ministry for every believer!

Prayer:   Lord, help me to see the evidence of your grace, no matter how small it may be.  Then make me an instrument of your encouragement.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

February 3, 2016:  SOAP #2253:   

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 10:30 Cornelius answered: “Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”

Observation:  Many people heard about the power of Jesus and sought Him out to meet their needs.  Even in the book of Acts, people were drawn to the church because of healings and miracles.  But with Cornelius, it was different.  He was not seeking God’s help; God was seeking him!!!

Application:   I am so thankful that I can take my problems to God and expect Him to provide what is needed.  But more than that, I want to be a person that God seeks.  I want God to see me and bless me just because it pleases Him to do it.
Prayer:   Lord, bless me when You want to, how You want to, and just because You want to!  I want to live my life in such a way that You enjoy blessing me.  May I be quick to tell of Your blessings which are abundant and undeserved.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

February 2, 2016:  SOAP #2252:   

Scripture:  Exodus (NIV) 33:15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

Observation:  Because the sins of Israel had hurt God and made Him so angry He told Moses that He would not go with Israel into the land He had promised to give them.  He would send an angel to accompany them.  But this was not acceptable to Moses.  God’s Presence was proof that they were going where He was sending them.  God’s Presence was the difference maker!   God’s Presence made them unique.

Application:   God’s Presence emphasizes the uniqueness of my life and my ministry.  I am not like everyone else; my ministry is not like everyone else.  It is God’s Presence which validates its genuineness.  When others recognize God’s Presence, they expect God to speak through me to them.  When others recognize God’s Presence they realize that God can work through them also.

Prayer:   Lord, make me a vessel you can work through.  Fill me with your Holy Spirit.  May your Presence be easily seen in me today.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

February 1, 2016:  SOAP #2251:   

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 8:1 And Saul was there, giving approval to his [Steven’s] death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria… 4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.

Observation:   If the apostles stayed in Jerusalem, then who were these that “preached the word wherever they went?”  They were those who believed in Jesus and had been filled with the Holy Spirit.  Obviously they did not need a church building in which to preach.  They did not have a license to preach nor a pulpit to stand behind.  They had the fire of the Holy Spirit burning in their hearts.  They preached by opening their mouths and telling others what God had done for them.  They told/preached to those living next door.  They told/preached to those they met in the market place.  “Wherever they went” they spoke about Jesus!

Application:  I have the same Holy Spirit living in me.  At the bus barn, at the grocery store, waiting at the gas station for my car to be filled with gasoline, at the restaurant, everywhere I go I can do the same!

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, embolden me and use me wherever I am to tell people about Jesus and what He has done for me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!