Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 31, 2023: SOAP #4866: Judges 9-10; Psalm 49; 1Corinthians 16

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 16:1 Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 3 Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

OBSERVATION:  The churches had been asked to help the people living in Jerusalem.  Paul was encouraging the church in Corinth to receive a weekly collection, on the first day of every week.  Each person doing what they are able, doing it faithfully on the first day of every week, the amount will grow to help meet the need in Jerusalem.  

APPLICATION: Several times I have been asked to send money to buy Bibles.  I do not have enough money to meet those needs, so I prayed.  I know that the Lord is very concerned that His people have access to His word.  The Lord showed me that the church should take a special offering every week for the purpose of buying Bibles.  When enough money is gathered, purchase one Bible and present it to a deserving individual or family.  Then start a weekly offering for a second Bible.  There could not be a more worthy reason for an offering.  Once all the needed Bibles have been purchased, offering can be taken for neighboring churches needing Bibles.   God will bless the efforts made to obtain Bibles and He will add His increase.  

PRAYER:   Lord, there are people that need your word.  May their desire be so strong that they are willing to sacrifice to provide Bibles for their friends, and then for themselves.  Add your blessing to their efforts.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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