November 01, 2020: SOAP #3986:  Job 22; Mark 7-8

Scripture:  I know there are many verses in the chapters above through which God can speak to me and to you.  I am spending another day in the hospital.  In over ten years, this will be the second SOAP I have missed sending out.

Observation:  I know God can speak to you and through anyone in whom His Spirit dwells.  God is a speaker. He loves to talk to His listening sons and daughters.

Application: So, send me a testimony of what these SOAPs do for you or how one spoke to you heart.  Better yet, send me a SOAP devotion God has given to you to write!   

Prayer:  Bless the SOAP readers.  May many of them become SOAP writers and leave a blessing for their children, and their children’s children. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

Just a personal note:  The surgery went well, as far as I know.  I have not spoken to the doctor yet.  But I am out of ICU and in a regular hospital room.  As the Lord spoke to me on Thursday, He was not coming with me, but I was going with Him, He has given me opportunities to speak on His behalf.   I am certain that I will be released from the hospital as soon as the Lord has accomplished His work.   😊  Leon

October 30, 2020: SOAP #3984:  Job 21; Mark 5-6

Scripture:  Mark (NIV) 5:22 Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came there. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet 23 and pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24 So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. …
6:1 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples.

Observation:  Jesus went with Jairus; the disciples went with Jesus.  How can anyone deny the blessing of having Jesus with them!  His presence is the greatest peace giving, problem solving, wisdom imparting force on earth!   Nothing is impossible with God!  

Application: This morning I received a text from a friend that was praying for God to go with me to the hospital today.  As I pondered the text, the Lord spoke to my heart, “I am not going to go with you; you are coming with me!”

It is not for God to help me over my problem; it is for me to be sensitive to what He is doing.    Oh, yes, God will work out my problem, but He has a special assignment for me. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, may I be as faithful to you today as you have been to me.  Holy Spirit help me be more concerned about being with Jesus than I am about Him being with me. Help my thoughts to be more focused on what He wants me to do for Him than on what I want Him to do for me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

Note:  I am now checked into the hospital and much of the preparation for the morning is complete.  I have been stuck, wired, walked, fed, visited, etc.  Dr. Idbeis explained the plan to use the computerized robot with the daVinci Robot. 🙂

October 29, 2020: SOAP #3983:  Job 20; Mark 3-4

Scripture:  Mark (NIV) 3:1 Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” 4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. 5 He looked round at them in anger and deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

Observation:  There was no way the Pharisees were going to give their approval to Jesus.  They actively looked for a way to accuse Him.  They refused to acknowledge any good that He did.  By being so closed, consider what they missed.  They missed a great opportunity to see the character of God in action.  They missed the opportunity to learn how to apply the law they claimed to uphold.  So much they missed! 

Application:  In reading the above passage, I could not help but think about how so much of our news media treats President Trump.  I need to be careful not to allow such a critical spirit infect me.  In seeing with a critical spirit, I miss so much. 

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, today take the lead in teaching me how to see those around me.  Please check me if I start looking for a way to accuse.  Instead use me to spread appreciation. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 28, 2020: SOAP #3982:  Job 19; Mark 1-2

Scripture:  Mark (NIV) 2:13 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14 As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him. 15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.

Observation:  Jesus’ ministry was not limited to “religious” places.  Jesus was Jesus wherever He was.  Out “beside the lake,” walking along a roadside passing a “tax collector’s booth,” or having dinner at “Levi’s house.” Jesus did what Jesus did wherever He was. 

Application:  Leon must be Leon wherever He is.  At home, at church, at the bus barn, on the internet/Facebook. And since Jesus lives in Leon, Jesus wants to be Jesus wherever Leon is.  It is not nearly important that people see me or remember me, but it is of great importance that people see Jesus and remember Him! 

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, let Jesus shine through me wherever I am.  Help me to live in such a way that what people see of Leon does not mar what they see of Jesus. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 27, 2020: SOAP #3981:  Job 18; Psalm 114; Acts 27-28

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 28:16 When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him. …
30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

OBSERVATION:  At the end of chapter 24 we read that Felix kept Paul in prison for two years.  When Felix took over, he had a trial in which Paul appealed to Caesar, which was his right as a Roman citizen.  In the verses above we read that Paul was kept in house arrest in Rome awaiting his time before Caesar. 

Four years in confinement plus travel time which included a shipwreck and spending the winter on the island of Malta.

As we read this section of the book of Acts, we can readily see that the years of unfair imprisonment did not hinder the Holy Spirit anointing on Paul.  Bitterness had not tarnished his sensitivity to the Spirit.  The limitations he experienced provided their own unique opportunities for ministry.  Being limited as a prisoner, Paul ministered to his guards.  Being limited on a ship, he ministered to the crew.  Being limited to a rented house, he ministered to those who visited him. 

APPLICATION:  May I never allow the limitations that surround me hinder the ministry of the Holy Spirit in and through me.  Every limitation opens another door of opportunity for me.  I may not have enough money to do one thing, but I have more time to do something else.  I may not be able to go to one destination, but I can minister where I am or nearby.  I may not have the needed supplies for what I would like to do, but I have the Holy Spirit anointing to do what the Spirit leads. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, I trust you to lead me.  Flow through me.  Speak through me.  Use me to glorify Jesus.  Remind me of this SOAP devotion the next time I face limitations. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 26, 2020: SOAP #3980:  Job 17; Acts 24-26

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 24:25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.
27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

Observation:  Two years!  Rome did not have a constitution like the United States.  Their laws were not written to protect the individual against the government.  So, there were no laws against holding a citizen for as long as a government official chose.  Two years, and still left in prison! 

Application:  How unfair!  What a waste of time!   God is greater than Rome!  Why didn’t God get him out of the Roman jail? 

I must remember that God sees things from eternity’s point of view.  I must remember that God’s love cannot be questioned—He sent His own Son to die for my sins!!!  I must remember that He is omniscient—all wise and knowing!  I must remember that He is omnipresent—always with me!  I must remember that He is calling me according to His plan, not me calling Him according to my plan. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, everything I know about you assures me that I can trust you when things make no sense to me here on earth.  You are the Lord of my life.  You have ultimate control over all that concerns me.  You love me; I love you.  You are with me; I am with you.  You walk with me and you talk with me, and you tell me I am your own.  AND, I walk with you and I talk with you and I tell you, You are my own!”  I am your child; you are my God!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 25, 2020: SOAP #3979:  Job 16; Acts 21-23

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 21:5 But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. 6 After saying good-bye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home. 7 We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for a day. 8 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven.

Observation:  The above verses give insight into Paul’s travels.  There were limited hotels or motels.  Paul stayed in the homes of people who shared his vision of a local church.  His visits were an encouragement; they loved to see him come and they hated to see him go.  Paul’s ministry was a series of relationships.  In a day with no copies of the Word to have in private homes, it must have been a special blessing to have someone like Paul in a home for an extended time.  Oh, the things they could learn about God and His plan for our lives. 

Application:  A relationship with God leads to relationships with people.  So much of the Bible concerns our relationships with people. Perhaps we should consider any visit that does not end with a closing prayer or a blessing a wasted opportunity. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for today, allowing Sharon and myself to celebrate 52 years of marriage!  Wow!  We are so blessed!  Thank you for the special relationships you have placed in our lives that have encouraged and strengthened us.  Use us to do the same for others.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 24, 2020: SOAP #3978:  Job 15; Acts 19-20

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 20:7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight….
9 Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!”
11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left.

Observation:  Paul spoke till midnight, and people listened.  Then after a time of excitement, Paul went back to speaking.  He talked until daylight!  

As I contemplated this passage, I became amazed at how the people valued the preaching of Paul.  They stayed with him all night!  Then the Holy Spirit showed me that these believers did not have a Bible in their home.  There may have been some scrolls with some of the Old Testament books in the synagogue in their town.  But there was nothing written to have in their homes.  They did not have the opportunity to rise early in the morning and spend some time in prayer and reading of God’s Word.  Their appetite for God’s Word could only be met by meeting together to hear someone bring an anointed sermon based on the scriptures.  They would have stayed longer!  

Application:  What an honor to have the Word of the Creator of the universe in my possession!  What an amazing privilege it is to have the Words of the one who loved me so much that He sent His Son to die in payment for my sins!! What in our home could be more valuable than the Word of Almighty God!!!

What could be a greater tragedy than to have the Word of God so available yet be too busy to read it for myself! 

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, burn the Word of God deep in my heart.  May I never be satisfied with leaving it in a book.  Develop a hunger for the Word.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 23, 2020: SOAP #3977:  Job 13-14; Acts 17-18

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 18:4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. …
11 So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.

Observation:  In chapters 17 and 18 we do not read of healings and miracles.  The emphasis is on teaching and reasoning from the scriptures.  Paul’s emphasis for this journey was on “strengthening the churches.” (Acts 15:36 & 41) He did it primarily through teaching. 

The Word, in Paul’s day, was not available in the many forms we have it today (books, CDs, tapes, records, phone aps, computer programs, etc.).  It was written in scrolls mostly kept in the temple and synagogues.  People did not have a copy of the Bible (Old Testament) in their private homes.  They needed someone with knowledge of the scriptures to teach them.  Through the Word presented by anointed teaching, and through the presence of the Holy Spirit, people learned to live like Jesus, the Living Word. 

Application:  Last week, my wife, Sharon, had a stroke that greatly affected her left arm and hand.  She could not hold a pen in her left hand (she is left-handed), nor make it move to write.  But she has been writing SOAP devotions for 10 years.  The scriptures have become a part of her everyday life.  Today, 7 days after the stroke, she wrote out a complete SOAP devotion!  It is very legible, and her unique writing style can be seen, but there is still room for improvement.  The Word flows through her mind, her heart, her spirit, and her hand!   Praise the Lord!!!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, your eternal and complete wisdom can be seen in your Word.  Not only in the pages of your Word, but also in how your Word was preserved for us today. Thank you! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 22, 2020: SOAP #3976:  Job 11-12; Acts 15-16

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 15:36  Sometime later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”…
39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

OBSERVATION:  During Paul’s first missionary journey, he and Barnabas evangelized and planted churches.  Now as they prepare for a second journey, Paul and Silas have the emphasis of lets “see how they are doing…” and on “strengthening the churches.” 

APPLICATION:  As I ponder Paul’s ministry during this second journey, I see his goal at the beginning of this journey—to strengthen the church.  I see that he did not stop evangelizing and doing miracles, but there are several other emphases. Paul’s presence, his teaching, his writing letters, his setting the churches in order, and his discipling Timothy and others who traveled with him.

In Paul’s ministry, parents may find good ideas about their continuing ministry to their adult children. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, in considering this aspect of Paul’s ministry, I see some similar aspects to the ministry you have given me.  Lord, use these SOAPs to faithfully explain your word and strengthen believers.  Use our visits in this area to encourage and strengthen churches. May you be glorified!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!