January 27, 2018: SOAP #2977:  Exodus 17-20; Acts 3

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 3: 3 When he [the crippled man] saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

Observation:   I wonder how long the beggar sat at the temple gate before Peter and John came along.  Surely, he was appreciative for each one who carried some money with them and gave him a coin.  But his greatest appreciation would go to two men who had no money!  Perhaps they had given money at other times when passing through this gate into the temple.  But today they did not have any money!  These two men did not let their lack of money stop them from giving what they had.  The beggar was blessed because their pockets were empty!

Application:   There are times when having money hinders what God really wants to do.  It is easy to consider how I can minister based on how much money I have rather than what God can do.  What a disappointment to God when I think I cannot do anything because I do not have any money.  And, what a disappointment to God when I think I have enough money and do not stop and seek His guidance.   Yet, what wonderful things can happen when even a very small amount of money is used with the anointing of the Holy Spirit!

Prayer:    Holy Spirit, give me clear direction in how to best apply the money you have entrusted to me for the good of the Kingdom.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

January 26, 2018: SOAP #2976:  Exodus 14-16; Acts 2

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 2:16 [Peter addressing the large crowd that had gathered because people from Galilee were speaking in the home languages of the hearers.]  No, [they were not drunk] this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

Observation:  These verses tell us what God will do, and what people will do.  He will pour out His Spirit; people will prophesy, see visions and dream dreams.  He will pour out His Holy Spirit on both men and women; both men and women will prophecy.   He will show signs in heaven and on earth; people who call on the name of the Lord will be saved!

Application:  If those living in the book of Acts were living in the last days, then today, 2000 years later, must be the last days also!   If God’s promise about pouring out His Spirit was true for then, it also must be true for today!  Men and women share equally in receiving the Holy Spirit and ministering under the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to die for my sins.  Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to live in me and to flow through me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!