Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 05, 2023: SOAP #5115: Ephesians 5-6; Psalm 119:1-80

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

OBSERVATION:  Every day each person is faced with many choices.  Wisdom can be seen in which opportunities are chosen. 

Because the days are evil many opportunities face us to do evil.  But for each opportunity to do evil, there is an opportunity to do what honors the Lord.  People can make a choice to get drunk on wine, or they can choose to be filled with the Spirit of God. 

“Evil days” may be a good reason to play it safe; but Paul here urges us to seize every opportunity.  “Evil days” are not a reason to fearfully hold back, but to courageously push forward.

APPLICATION: Being retired does not mean I have less opportunities, but more.  I am finding that to make the most of every opportunity the Lord brings my way often means that I must pass on some “opportunities” the world brings my way.  For the opportunity to give more in the offering at church, I may have to pass up the opportunity to buy a meal at McDonalds or a new shirt at Wal*Mart.

PRAYER:  Lord, help me to quickly recognize the opportunities that come my way, and then courageously step out to honor you.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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From Doris Borbor today:  “… today we thank God for pastor Andrew he was able to sit down today and we started talking there is much much improvement since he has started taking the treatment since yesterday and today now he can talk clearly and you can understand now he can sit up and we can talk. That’s why the Doctor told me today that we should get the remaining medicine and injection for him he said after we get all the remaining medicine and he started treating him properly he said from now to Friday he will discharge him to go home that’s why the Doctor said he really want us to get all the remaining medicine. To God be the glory and Praise the Lord Amen.” 
Today I received and sent enough money to cover the remaining medicine.  Money coming will go toward the hospital bill.  I asked Doris to read the Bible to him when she takes his meals.  Pray with me for God to use the Word to protect his mind and induce healing.  Leon 😊