Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 05, 2022: SOAP #4720: Job 28-29; Galatians 1-2

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 1:1  Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—2 and all the brothers with me, To the churches in Galatia: 3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

OBSERVATION:  Paul recognized that his calling did not come from man.  His calling came from God.  Paul knew he would answer to God for how he fulfilled his calling as an apostle. 

The One who sent Paul had all authority over death!  Death has already been defeated!   The One who sent Paul had already proved His love for people by dying for our sins!  

Since the calling came from God, and not from man, Paul depended on God to provide necessary resources.  If men had sent Paul, he would have relied on them to provide the necessary finances.  But he was convinced that God sent him and so depended on God to provide.   God used people to support Paul, and Paul was always grateful, but he put no pressure on people to give.  God had sent Paul, and God would provide.  Sometimes God provided through Paul’s work; sometimes through the working of those who traveled with him; sometimes through gifts from friends. 

APPLICATION: I have come to believe that God has a calling for each of us.  We are called to be a living vessel full of a living God!  We fulfill it as we are fathers, mothers, teachers, laborers, etc.  …yes, and bus drivers.  God’s calling and anointing makes us useful wherever we are.  When the Holy Spirit opens an opportunity to represent Jesus we can say or do what He would say or do. It is then we will find that we are not alone.  He is with us and expressing Himself through us!!!   

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, like Yvonne Valdez Soliz sings, “Holy Spirit, flow through me, touch through me, speak through me.”  Use me today for your glory.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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