Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 18, 2024: SOAP #5311:  1Kings 22; 2Chronicales 18,19; Colossians 4

SCRIPTURE:  Colossians (NIV) 4:16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.”

OBSERVATION:   In closing his letter to the church in Colossae, Paul adds a personal comment to Archippus.  Archippus had received a personal assignment from the Lord and he needs to take it seriously.  It should not be left undone.    

If I start “a ministry” with the idea of serving the Lord, that is good but that is not nearly as important as having a ministry given to me by the Lord.  If I start it, then I will be evaluating it to determine if I should continue or look for something else to do.  BUT if the Lord assigned that ministry to me, I cannot leave because it is hard.  He sent me there!  He gave me that ministry!  I must be committed until HE directs me otherwise. 

APPLICATION:  The SOAP ministry was not my idea.  It was first presented to me by Pastor Dayton, and the next morning God made it clear that this was HIS assignment for Leon!    I am not asking God to help me with my ministry.  I am making myself available for God to use me in HIS ministry! 

Writing SOAPs is a simple idea that has expanded far beyond my initial thoughts.  It’s success is based on two things:  God’s faithfulness, and my faithfulness.  He has been faithful to give me a word for each SOAP, and for 14+ years I have passed them in a daily SOAP. (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) 

If God has given you children, then complete the ministry as a parent as unto the Lord.  If God has given you neighbors, then complete the ministry of being a neighbor.  May your neighbors soon learn that Jesus is living next door!  

PRAYER:  Lord, may everyone who reads these SOAPs be encouraged to be faithful in the simple things you give them to do.  Our faithfulness allows you to use these ministries far beyond our initial dreams.  Lord, may I faithfully complete my assignment.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon   Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon         

Personal Note:  Here is a quick update on what is happening in my life. 
–This is the last week of bus driving for summer school.  Summer school is only morning classes for four days each for three weeks. 
–On Thursday I have an appoint with my regular doctor for an annual check.
–Next Thursday I have an appointment for a stress test on my heart.  The results are needed to get my Department of Transportation physical for bus driving next year.    
–A biopsy appointment has not been scheduled; I have not been informed why but God is in control!!!   😊    
–Thanks for your prayers.  God has given me this SOAP assignment and He will complete it!!!