SCRIPTURE: Acts (NIV) 3:2 Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
OBSERVATION: Money is an important part of ministry, but lack of money is never a reason to stop ministering. The ministry that Jesus left the church was based on the power of the Holy Spirit rather than the power of money!
APPLICATION: I believe I will give an account to the Lord of how I use the money He provides or enables me to earn, but how much more will I be held accountable for the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit he has given me!
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, forgive me for the times I have hindered the flow of your ministry through me. Find me a willing and useful vessel through which you can flow. Use me today however you deem best. Amen
Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!
On Facebook: Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
January 2024 SOAP UPDATE:
Greetings to all in Jesus’ Name!
When I started writing the SOAPs 15 years ago, I never dreamed that they would grow to the point where money would be useful to purchase computers and printers, paper and ink, and payment for internet access. But that is what has happened. It was God’s direction to me to write them. God has been faithful to give me scriptures each day and what to write. And God has been faithful in providing for the expansion of this ministry.
When God directed me to start writing SOAPs, He also directed me to start driving a school bus. Obviously, God had a plan; the money from driving the bus carried the SOAP ministry for the first ten years. Then God began sending some support from time to time which has lately become more regular. As the ministry has expanded, God’s provision has expanded.
I never want to ask people to give! It is God’s ministry; we only look to HIM for finances. His provision is the proof that He considers it His ministry. He will use people, but the motivation must come from their heart.
The greatest way I see SOAP and money melted together is in testimonies of how God provides. …and there have been so many testimonies!!!
There is no official organization and to my knowledge, no one presently working with SOAPs receives a salary. Many are making personal sacrifices to make the SOAPs available to others.
There is a team of 7-8 Christian leaders in 4-5 West African countries who want to purchase 85 laptops/printers to provide SOAPs for 4-5 nations. They are doing it on their own. They are very committed brothers and sisters who have been working with SOAPs for several years. They have seen a tremendous impact on their churches with the use of the SOAPs and want to see it spread through the 17 countries of West Africa. After this, they have a goal of helping the East African countries grow the SOAP ministry.
The bulk of money from past similar endeavors has come from Africa! But they will receive it from whoever wants to give. They have many testimonies of spiritual growth through SOAP use.
I do not want to see SOAPs as a fundraiser operation, so have limited my personal push. But I will gladly respond to your questions and pass along what is sent to me.
A day is coming when I will need to stop bus driving to take care of more SOAP ministries…Lord give me wisdom. There just is not enough time in the day to cover everything. Ha!
Leon
SOAPs by Pastor Leon 