Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 07, 2022: SOAP #4449:  Leviticus 4-6; Acts 14

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 14:21 They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

OBSERVATION:  Starting the life as a believer in Jesus Christ is so important.  We must be born again.  It is just as important that we “remain true to the faith.”  We cannot let “hardships” keep us from finishing what we started! 

Paul had the same concern for these believers as Jesus had for his disciples.  In His time with them before being crucified, He encouraged them to “remain” in Him and “remain” in His love.  (John 15:4-10) 

APPLICATION:  As my wife, Sharon, and I visit churches in Kansas, our goal is to strengthen and encourage the Senior Adult believers.  We want to encourage them to remain on fire for Jesus—to keep the fire of the Holy Spirit burning in their church, in their homes, and in their daily lives.  The ministry of the Holy Spirit is much too valuable to allow to dry up as we get older.  It is too valuable to limit to just Sunday mornings.  It is for every day, and for every age.  The gifts of the Holy Spirit are needed in the home, in the work place, in the retirement center.  They are needed at graduation time, at middle age, and in retirement!

We must not allow hardships, illness, disappointments, lack of appreciation, being passed over in favor of someone younger—we must not allow anything to put out our passion for Jesus!  Let us be good examples of keeping the fire burning in our heart. 

PRAYER:  Lord, you were worthy of my passion when I was young.  You have not changed.  You are still worthy of my passion in my older years.  May those who know me, know that You are my everything! Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 06, 2022: SOAP #4448:  Leviticus 1-3: Acts 13

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 13:50 But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city [Pisidian Antioch]. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

OBSERVATION:  What a great combination—being “filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.”  Joy is a common emotion to those who are persecuted.  First: their love for Jesus has become known.  And the persecution gives them opportunity to demonstrate their love and devotion to Jesus.  Second: the indwelling Holy Spirit imparts His unspeakable joy. 

APPLICATION:  Being filled with the Holy Spirit, and walking in the Spirit, makes a huge difference in my life and through me in my world.  Jesus walked full of the Holy Spirit and being filled with the Holy Spirit makes me like Jesus.  My world needs me to be like Jesus. 

In my world, there are hurting people who need the Holy Spirit flowing through someone with the gift of healing.  In my world there are confused people who need the Holy Spirit to flow through someone with a word of wisdom.  In my world there are people who need a Holy Spirit filled touch like Jesus gave.  People in my world need me to be “filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, flow through me; touch through me.  Make me a vessel that carries your presence to those around me. Guide my words and my actions.  And may the world never rob me of the joy you give. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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