Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 16, 2023: SOAP #4882: 1Samuel 18; 1Chronicles 6; Psalm 11; Matthew 3

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 3:16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.

OBSERVATION:  The One who had willingly emptied Himself of His God-ness to live on earth as the Son of Man, was now empowered by the same Holy Spirit who was present at creation (Genesis 1:2). This was the same Holy Spirit the angel spoke of when explaining to Joseph, that Mary’s pregnancy was the work of the Spirit of God. (Matthew 1:18 & 20). The Holy Spirit was a major part of Jesus’ everyday life and ministry.

APPLICATION: On January 1, 2010, I wondered if I should post on Facebook the SOAP I had just written.  It was strong in my mind that if I did it on January 1, I would need to post it every day that year!  I wondered if God would give me something every day for a whole year.  I knew God would give me something special each week for Sunday’s sermon, but something for every day???   I had faithfully read the Scriptures every day and knew that God would use them, but I did not expect something specific for me each day. 

Today, 4,882 days later, I know the answer is YES, He does speak every day!   The Same Holy Spirit that was present at creation, who was present every day with Jesus in ministry, who was inspiring each writer of the scriptures, YES, that same Holy Spirit has made Leon His dwelling place.  He understands 2023 as He understood the first day of creation!   He knows what I need each day.  He knows how to make me a blessing.  

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, you understand every day of my life as you understood every day of Jesus’ life on earth.  As I move through this day, reveal to me how I can best honor Jesus.  And, through these SOAPs, make me a blessing to others.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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