Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 15, 2022: SOAP #4699: Nehemiah 13; Malachi 1-2; Acts 4

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 4:16 “What are we [the religious leaders] going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

OBSERVATION:  The religious leaders were demanding Peter and John to do something unnatural.  When something wonderful happens, it is natural to talk about it.  Jesus had just risen from the dead; how could they not talk about it!   They had just been filled with the Holy Spirit; how could they not talk about it!  The crippled beggar had just been healed in Jesus Name; how could they not talk about it! 

APPLICATION: Jesus has forgiven my sins.  He has filled me with His Holy Spirit.  He has filled my heart with joy. How can I not talk about it!    This past week, God answered some prayers that only He and I knew about.  I heard Him and obeyed.  He heard me and replaced what I had given in response to His word!   How can I not talk about Jesus and give Him the glory!   He always gives me something fresh!  

Surely God has done something for every believer that must be shared.  It is too big to keep to one’s-self.  Even the joy in our heart pushes out into a smile. 

PRAYER:   Lord, I never run out of things for which I can give thanks to you, or testimonies I can share with others. You always give me something fresh!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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