Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 09, 2022: SOAP #4451:  Leviticus 10-12; Acts 16

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 16:6 Paul and his companions travelled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

OBSERVATION: Paul had learned to carefully follow the Holy Spirit.  He had been sent into the traveling ministry by the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:2-4)   And here in chapter 16, Paul is moving ahead to continue the ministry given by the Holy Spirit, but the Holy Spirit says, “No!”  They were not allowed to go into the province of Asia, nor into Mysia.  Then through a dream, Paul and Barnabas were led to the Macedonian city of Philippi.  A church was established in Philippi to which Paul later wrote a letter which is a part of the New Testament. 

Later we read that Paul spent two years ministering in the city of Ephesus and that everyone, “Jews and Greeks,” who lived in the province of Asia “heard the word of the Lord Jesus!”  (Acts 19:10)   Paul also wrote the New Testament book of Ephesians, a letter to the church in Ephesus. 

APPLICATION:  God’s “No” to Paul was not because God did not care about the people in Asia.  The people of Macedonia were not better favored by God than those in Asia.  God loved both and both were included in God’s timetable. 

God’s “No’s” are just as important as God’s “Go’s.”  To have the greatest effect for God in this world, I must listen to both.  At times God will hold me back; at times God will spur me on. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, it is so important that I be in time with Heaven’s plan. A word at the right time can mean so much to my wife, to my son.  A visit at the right time can open doors for ministry, for employment, for relationship, and so much more.  I want to be sensitive to your impressions, your thoughts, your voice, the scriptures you bring to my mind.  I will not be offended when you say, “No.”  I will be quick to respond when you say, “Go.”  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 08, 2022: SOAP #4450:  Leviticus 7-9; Acts 15

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 15:14 Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. 15 The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: 16 “‘After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, 17 that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things’ 18 that have been known for ages.
Acts (MSSG) 15:17 So outsiders who seek will find, so they’ll have a place to come to, All the pagan peoples included in what I’m doing. “God said it and now he’s doing it. 18 It’s no afterthought; he’s always known he would do this.
Acts (NKJV) 15:18 “Known to God from eternity are all His works.
Acts (KJV) 15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

OBSERVATION:  It was always God’s intention to include Gentiles (non-Jews) in His overall plan.  With sin affecting all of mankind, a perfect sacrifice would be required sufficient to cover the sins of every person in every race.  One perfect sacrifice would be needed.  The Father sent His One Son to make that one sacrifice. 

Jesus was sent for the world, but He was sent to Israel.  The work of God in the Old Testament was to insure everyone could easily identify that Jesus was the one sent from the Father to be that sacrifice.  Once that sacrifice was completed, the Holy Spirit began drawing in the Gentiles.  This was not an afterthought!!!  Including Gentiles was a part of God’s original plan!   

APPLICATION:  God’s work among mankind has progressed as planned.  From God visiting us to God dwelling in us!   From the nation of Jews to the world-wide church.  From a temple of stone to a living temple of flesh!   It is still progressing according to God’s plan.   From anticipating and dwelling in the Promised Land to anticipating heaven and eternity in God’s Presence! 

God’s plan is progressing in each of us.  He is changing us from what we were to what He wants us to be.  As I surrender my heart and will to my loving Heavenly Father, He works for my good and His glory. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, it is special to know that my life is not an afterthought.  What a privilege is mine to have you living and working in my life.  The highest purpose for me is to bring you glory.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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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
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 05, 2022: SOAP #4447:  Exodus 39-40; Psalm 15; Acts 12

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 12:4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

OBSERVATION: Herod’s intentions did not stand up to God’s actions.  If Peter was worried about Herod’s intentions, he probably would not have been sleeping so soundly.  The angel had to strike Peter on the side to awaken him.  Surely Peter knew that they were not empty intentions.  Verse 2 tells us that Herod had arrested James, the brother of John, and put him to death. 

Peter had confidence that Herod’s intentions could not override God’s plan.  God’s plan for Peter included giving an anointed argument before the early church leaders that gentiles should be welcomed into the church. (Acts 15:7-11)

Peter’s location and safety was God’s problem.  Peter needed his sleep. 

APPLICATION:  If I focus on what the world intends to do to me, I might have trouble sleeping.  If I consider my life as belonging to God, I can rest.  When I am doing His will, I can trust Him to provide and protect. 

There were times when I sinned and/or acted foolishly.  I reaped what I sowed.  God’s grace was sufficient to see me through.  But when I knew I was where God wanted me to be, and doing what God wanted me to do, I did not need to worry about a thing.  The world’s intentions could not reach me.  I could sleep like Peter.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, My life is yours. May you be glorified in me and through me.   Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 04, 2022: SOAP #4446:  Exodus 37-38; Psalm 19; Acts 11

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 11: 27 During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) 29 The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

OBSERVATION: God is a giver, and it should be expected that those in whom He dwells will be givers also.  When the church in Antioch learned that Judea would be experiencing a famine, they did what we would expect believers to do.  They were acting like Christ!  They gave like Jesus!  Each one gave “according to his ability.”

In the verse just prior to the passage above we read, “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”  (Acts 11:26) God’s nature of giving was showing through them. 

APPLICATION:  I am a Christian.  It should go without saying that I am a giver.   The Lord has allowed some money to flow through my hands, from the extra job I have during retirement.  It is not a huge amount, but it brings me joy to send it out “according to my ability” and “as the Lord directs.” 

But the greatest riches I have is a knowledge of God and His Word.  These SOAPs provide the opportunity to give this most precious gift.  What a privilege is mine! 

PRAYER:  Lord, You have enriched me with your Word.  I am blest.  Make me a blessing in sharing these riches with others, I pray. Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 03, 2022: SOAP #4445:  Exodus 35-36; Acts 10

SCRIPTURE:  Exodus (NIV) 35:4 Moses said to the whole Israelite community, “This is what the LORD has commanded: 5 From what you have, take an offering for the LORD. Everyone who is willing. an offering of gold, silver, bronze, blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair, ram skins dyed and hides of sea cows, acacia wood, olive oil, onyx stones and other (list[EH1]  from v 5-9). …
22 gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, ear-rings, rings and ornaments, blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen, or goat hair, ram skins, or hides of sea cows, silver, bronze, acacia wood (list from v 22-24).

OBSERVATION: The Lord commanded the Israelites to bring an offering.  Verses 5-9 give a list of what God commanded them to bring.  Verses 22-24 added to that list.  What caught my attention in this reading is the first four words in verse 5.  The offering was to be given “FROM WHAT YOU HAVE.”  

How could a nation of newly freed slaves have what God asked?  In Exodus 12:35-36 we read that Moses had the Israelites ask the Egyptians for gold, silver, etc. and the Lord made the Egyptians favorable to give them anything for which they asked.  As the Israelites left Egypt, they carried the wealth of Egypt with them!  It was more than enough to build the tabernacle!!!  They had to tell the Israelites to stop giving! 

APPLICATION:  As I read this passage, I had to smile.  God is speaking to me about giving. 
-I am to give from what I have.  I am not to borrow to give, but give what is now in my possession.  If the need is greater than what I can give, I only need to do my part.  In giving my part I am trusting God with others that He will take care of the rest. 
-I am to give from what I have taken in from the world in which I work.  To be able to give was one of the main reasons God gave me the job of bus driving.  God directed me to that job.  He helped me pass the necessary test to gain the needed license.  He has helped me pass the physical examinations I am required to take every year. 
-I am to give as God directs.  I should give according to His direction.  There are many voices in the world calling for money.  I must respond to His voice.  God’s word is clear about tithing, but my offerings go elsewhere as He directs. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, it is my joy to use what you give me to enable the ministries you direct me to support.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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 [EH1]

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 02, 2022: SOAP #4444:  Exodus 33-34; Psalm 16; Acts 9

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 9:26 When he (Saul who became Paul) came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.

OBSERVATION: Barnabas; what a great man of God!  He used his position among the disciples to introduce and include Saul.  Everyone in Jerusalem knew of Saul’s enthusiasm for Judaism and how he had persecuted the believers.  The disciples were not going to accept Saul into their fellowship.  But Barnabas accepted Saul, introduced him to the fellowship of disciples.  He told them what God had done in Saul’s life and of how Saul had been preaching “fearlessly in the name of Jesus.” 

The disciples could not take their eyes off Saul’s past.  Barnabas could not take his eyes off Saul’s future. 

Later Barnabas accepted John Mark when the now Apostle Paul refused to take him along on his missionary journey.  Paul and Barnabas split up over that disagreement. 

It is noteworthy that two authors of New Testament books had their roots in Barnabas: Paul wrote most of the letters and Mark who wrote the gospel that bears his name.  In those books we read the fruit of Barnabas.

APPLICATION:  There are believers all around me whom God has called to work in His kingdom.  They are young and making mistakes as they learn to fulfill their calling.  God wants to use me as an encourager to build them up. 

And not only me, but every believer can have this ministry, especially the older generation.  In your fellowship of believers, look for a young person.  Pray for them every day.  Ask God to show you a way to appreciate them, to build them up and encourage them.    

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, use me to strengthen and encourage those you have called to serve you in the Kingdom.  May I be as faithful as Barnabas.  Multiply my fruitfulness, not only fruit from my life, but fruit from the lives encouraged by me.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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