February 09, 2023: SOAP #4816: Leviticus 10-12; Acts 16

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 16:9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them….
23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24 Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.

OBSERVATION:  Through their ministry, a demon-possessed slave girl had been delivered.   Her masters now would not be able to use her to make them money.  They had Paul and Silas beaten and thrown in jail.  I think in jail. Paul and Silas looked back and reminded themselves of God’s call.  No, they had not missed the will of God.  And while waiting for whatever it was that God was going to do, they began to sing.  An earthquake shook open the stocks and set them free!

APPLICATION: Being in the will of God is no guarantee that everything will go well.   But being in the will of God builds my faith to be able to sing at midnight, even when things are looking bad.   Being in the will of God builds my faith to wait for Him to do what only He can do!

PRAYER:   Lord, I want to keep my eyes on you. Help me always remember that the word you gave me when things were going good is strong enough to keep me when things are not going good.   Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 08, 2023: SOAP #4815: Leviticus 7-9; Acts 15  (reworked from 2018)

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 15: Acts (NIV) 15:9 He made no distinction between us [Jewish believers] and them [Gentile believers], for he purified their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

OBSERVATION:  Grace and Faith. The importance of these two words in our relationship to God cannot be over emphasized. Grace is offering a gift that is totally undeserved to someone who has no standing on their own to gain the gift for themselves. Faith is the confidence/assurance in a person’s heart that something is absolutely true. Salvation is offered in grace and received by faith.

Later Paul would write: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

APPLICATION: Grace is God offering me the gift of salvation — a gift I can never earn nor obtain, other than as a gift. Faith is the assurance in my heart that God’s offer is true, and I receive it by acknowledging my unworthiness and inability; all I can say is, “Thank you!”

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, your plan of salvation assures that only you get the glory. You offered it before we even knew we needed it. It can only be legally offered because of your work in sending your Son. All the glory can only go to you! You alone are worthy! THANK YOU!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 07, 2023: SOAP #4814: Leviticus 4-6; Acts 14

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 14:19 Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. 20 But after the disciples had gathered round him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derby. 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:  Paul was hit with rocks to the point he was considered dead.  His body was drug outside the city, probably to some cemetery or garbage dump. Disciples gathered around Paul, probably praying, and God worked a miracle.  God restored Paul and he got up and went back into the city!   One would think that he would take a few days to recover from the stoning, but that is not what we read.  The next day they left, walking to Derby, a distance of 20 miles [Nelson]!  After ministry in Derby, they stopped again in Lystra on their way home.

APPLICATION: Two things I see in this passage.  First, the Christian life is not trouble free.  Problems and persecution are not signs I am out of God’s will.  His presence sustains us and carries us through the troubles. 

Second, having Christ is my life is well worth any troubles that come my way.  As my father’s life taught me, it is worth the sacrifice to follow Jesus.

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, make me a useful servant.  Let your power and grace be seen in me. I am relying on your presence!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 06, 2023: SOAP #4813: Leviticus 1-3: Acts 13

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 13:1 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

OBSERVATION:  Saul, later known as the Apostle Paul, had been the leader of the persecution of Christians.  When he became a believer, Barnabas was the one who accepted Saul, brought Saul to the disciples, and spoke in Saul’s defense. (Acts 9:26-27)  Barnabas is the one who when sent to Antioch by the Jerusalem church, went looking for Saul and brought Saul to Antioch. (Acts 11:20-26) The church in Antioch had sent these two on a previous mission.  (Acts 11:29-30)   Now, as directed by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas is taking Saul out on his first missionary journey.

Barnabas helped open doors of opportunity for Saul to become involved in ministry. 

APPLICATION: To whom will I be a Barnabas today?  On whose behalf will I speak?  Who will I defend?  For whom will I help open a door of opportunity?

PRAYER:   Lord, thank you for those who have served me (even today) to make me more useful.  Now use me to serve others.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 05, 2023: SOAP #4812: Exodus 39-40; Psalm 15; Acts 12

SCRIPTURE:  Exodus (NIV) 40:36 And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: 37 But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.

OBSERVATION:  The big picture, the Israelites were on a journey from Egypt to the Canaan.  The little picture, they would make the journey day by day following the cloud by day and the fire by night.  When it moved, they moved.  When it did not move, they did not move. 

There was great incentive to stay close to the cloud; the miracle supply of manna, and the miraculous supply of water were with the cloud.                                                                                              

APPLICATION: The big picture: I am headed for heaven.  The little picture:  I must keep in contact with the Holy Spirit every day.  It is a day by day journey.

I need time in the word for fresh manna every day.  I need the refreshing water of worship and spending time with Jesus.  Through the faithful daily leading of the Holy Spirit, my life can be a blessing in this life, and rejoice when entering heaven. 

PRAYER:   Lord, I may have few or many days remaining in my journey, but having you be a part of every day builds anticipation for arrival in the place you have prepared for me. Holy Spirit, in big things and little things, make each day fruitful.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 04, 2023: SOAP #4811: Exodus 35-36; Acts 10

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 11:15 “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?” 18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.”

OBSERVATION:  Through a vision God clearly led Peter to go to the house of a Gentile.  God specifically led Peter to break a Jewish tradition.  Of course, Peter would have to give an answer when he returned to the other apostles.  The above verses are his answer when he reported back. 

Peter had been in the meeting on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) He was aware of the moving of the Holy Spirit.  Peter was also at Cornelius house when the Gentiles received the gift of the Holy Spirit!  He recognized the move of God! 

May every church experience a move of the Holy Spirit that will embolden believers to step out in faith! 

APPLICATION: I was not born a Jew; I am a Gentile.  As a Gentile the above passage has great interest for me.  God has also granted me repentance unto life.  God has also given me the gift of the Holy Spirit just like He did them. 

Jesus is coming soon and there are many who still do not know Him.  I need the Holy Spirit to embolden me speak the truth about Jesus!  

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, let the anointing of the Holy Spirit rest upon our lives.  Use us for your glory.   Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 03, 2023: SOAP #4810: Exodus 35-36; Acts 10

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

OBSERVATION:  Very clearly, God had sent Peter to Cornelius house.  The Gentile family was all gathered to hear what Peter would say.  But it does not say that God had given Peter a specific message for this momentous occasion.  So, Peter starts out talking about Jesus!   Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit, performed miracles, was crucified, rose again on the third day, gave commandment for preaching and testifying…AND without any more to do…the Holy Spirit fell on these Gentiles in the same manner as He fell on the Jews on the day of Pentecost!!!  These Gentiles were verbally praising God in unknown languages the same as the Jews on the day of Pentecost!!! 

APPLICATION: Was this meeting planned?  Definitely, “yes!”  But not by Peter.  This was God’s divine plan to clearly show that His presence and giftings are not limited to one group of people. 

God is moving by His Spirit today…even this very moment.  God’s presence and giftings are not limited to one historical moment.  The Eternal Now is at work today as He was in Acts. 

Let us be careful to go where He shows us, speak when given opportunity, and let God do what only God can do!   Let us take the attitude that God IS NOT going with us, but we are going WITH HIM!  Today we are following HIS agenda. 

PRAYER:   Lord, your Holy Spirit is working in me now.  It is not my words that need to come through this SOAP, but your Words!  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 02, 2023: SOAP #4809: Exodus 33-34; Psalm 16; Acts 9

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 9:10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, [GOD Speaking] “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
13 [Ananias speaking] “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
15 [God Speaking] But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.

OBSERVATION:  It was a good thing that God went to Ananias!   Ananias was able to provide God some information that would keep God from making a terrible mistake!  

But, it really was a good thing that God went to Ananias!  He was probably the only one who would actually do what God sent him to do! 

APPLICATION: When I recognize that God is wanting me to go somewhere or to someone, I can rest assured that God is already at work at the destination!  I can move ahead with confidence that what is needed for the assignment will be adequately provided.  I am not to move on my evaluation, but in obedience to God’s direction! 

He tells me to go; He goes with me; When I arrive, I find He is already there!

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, it all starts with hearing your voice.  The priority is to hear your voice.  When I am faithfully following your directions, I can trust your provision.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon