Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 05, 2023: SOAP #5085: Job 28-29; Galatians 1-2

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 2:1 Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also.  2 I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain.

OBSERVATION:  I believe it is a sign of a true believer who can submit to the body of Christ believing that the Holy Spirit can speak through others in regards to their life and ministry. The flesh wants to believe that God will only reveal to me that which pertains to me.  But God often uses others to bring light to ourselves, even to the most spiritual among us.

APPLICATION:  :  Pride keeps me from listening to others.  I must realize that I am only one part of the body of Christ and not the whole body.  My connection to others is important in my connection to Christ.   If I cannot hear God speak to me through others, I probably cannot hear God speak to me one-on-one.  After all, the hand is connected to the head through the arm and shoulder.  Hmmm. 

It was fourteen years ago that Pastor Dayton (formerly our youth pastor who had been chosen to be the senior pastor) asked me to write some SOAPs as an example for others.  My first reaction:  I did not want to.  It would require changing my personal devotions.  In prayer, God spoke to me, “When Dayton was the youth pastor, he had to do what I said.  Now that he is the senior pastor, I should do what he says!”  Now myself, and everyone who has been blest by the SOAPs can thank God that I was able to hear God speak to me through someone else, Pastor Dayton. 

PRAYER:  Lord, to know that you speak to me adds value to my life.  Knowing that you speak to me through others, keeps me humble and listening to those around me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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