Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 22, 2022: SOAP #4464:  Numbers 10-11; Psalm 27; Mark 1

SCRIPTURE:  Numbers (NIV) 11:1 Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them, his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. 2 When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the LORD and the fire died down.

OBSERVATION: They could have been talking about how the miracles in Egypt had broken them free from slavery.  They could have been talking about walking through the Red Sea on dry ground!!!  They could have been talking about Pharoah’s army drowned in the Red Sea!  They could have been talking about the pillar of fire that gave them light and heat at night, and the cloud by day that provided shade in the dessert!  They could have been talking about God speaking on Mt. Sinai!  They could have been talking about the water that came from the rock!  They could have been talking about the provision of manna for their daily food!   There were many things they could have talked about—things that would have shown appreciation for the One who had answered their prayers and delivered them from the hand of Pharoah.  But they complained about how difficult it was to move their household in the wilderness. 

Instead of using words to appreciate the Lord, they let their words anger Him!!!  What a mistake!   How foolish to anger the One they were depending on!

APPLICATION:  Surely, I have as much as the Israelites for which to be thankful, even more!  They were depending on God to get them to the Promised Land.  I am depending on God to get me to heaven!!!   They had the visible presence of God in the cloud and pillar of fire.  But I have the presence of God alive inside me!!!  They had Moses to tell them what God said.  But I have the Bible I can read for myself each day!!!

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, since you created my ears, I should not be surprised that you can hear every word I speak.  That is why I pray, because I know you hear me.  I want my words to please you and bring you joy.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 21, 2022: SOAP #4463:  Numbers 8-9; Acts 28

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 28:7 There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably. 8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. 9 When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10 They honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

OBSERVATION: Here again we see the prisoner Paul being the center of attention.  Obviously, Paul had a good attitude.  Paul had much for which he could complain.  But it would have been difficult for Paul to have a mouth full of complaining, then pray and minister healing to the sick. 

If we should read of Paul having a “poor me, pity party” many of the things he wrote to the churches he loved would lose some of their value. 

APPLICATION:  The Lord wants His people ready to minister to others at a moment’s notice.  I must guard my heart.  I must guard my thoughts.  I must guard my words.  I must not allow grumbling and complaining to dull my sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. 

Instead of complaining about obvious inconveniences, I need to keep my heart full of the goodness of God.  Being ready to be an instrument of God’s grace is much more important that having the freedom to express my irritation at some inconvenience. 

I need the Holy Spirit to help me be like Jesus.  He was God yet He did not take offence at being a man and being mistreated as a man!  (Philippines 2:5-7)

May the testimony I leave with others not be dulled by a complaining attitude. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, I am so glad you are living in me.  I need your help to keep a kind and peaceful attitude when I am irritated by my circumstances and how others treat me.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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