Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 14, 2023: SOAP #4910: 1Chronicles 22-24; 1Thessalonians 3

SCRIPTURE:  1Thessalonians (NIV) 3:5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless. 6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.

OBSERVATION:  The people in the church in Thessalonica were special to Paul.  He was aware that they were enduring persecution and was concerned that their faith was stronger than the persecution.  So, he sent Timothy on a personal journey.  Timothy had just returned with the good news that the people had remained faithful and that they remembered Paul.   Such news made Paul’s heart rejoice and he wrote this letter. 

APPLICATION:  Today Paul would have taken out his cell phone and given them a call.  Or he would have opened his computer and sent an email.  It is so much easier to keep in touch with those we love today. 

For those of us who have access to cell phones or email, we need to be faithful to follow through with concerns that the Holy Spirit brings to our heart for a brother or sister.  In a phone conversation, we not only have the privilege of praying FOR our friends; we can pray WITH them. 

For those who do not have access to a phone or to the internet, we still have access to the fastest and greatest communication system known to man.  In prayer we can bow before the throne of almighty God and make our concerns known.  There are times when the answers to our prayers are on their way even before we can put them into words!!   God knows our heart and why we are praying. 

PRAYER:   As Vestal Goodman often sang:  Oh Yes, the answers on the way, this I know. Jesus said it, I believe it, and it’s so. Our Heavenly Father knows our need before we pray.  And we can rest assured the answer’s on the way!   

Pastor Leon
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