SCRIPTURE: 2Corinthians (NIV) 1:9 Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. (Note: Romans 15:30)
OBSERVATION: Paul had been through some hard times, so hard that it seemed probable that he would die. But his faith was firm in the God who raises the dead! God had delivered Paul and Paul was confident that God would continue to get him through hard times. Even the people to whom Paul was writing deserved to know that their prayers had made a difference. God’s deliverance for Paul came in answer to their prayers!
APPLICATION: Sometimes we want to help those we love. We want to do something significant yet are not sure what to do. We may even think our hands are tied and there is nothing we can do. Clearly, we do not appreciate the importance of prayer! We need to grow in our appreciation AND PRACTICE of prayer!!! We really do not need to practice prayer, we just need to DO IT!
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, call us to pray; teach us to pray; pray through us! Amen
Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!
On Facebook: Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Special SOAP prayer needs sent to me the last few days:
1. Shafiq Masih, who translates the SOAPs into Urdu in Pakistan, will be having heart surgery on Monday. Pray for his healing and needed finances.
2. Charles Owino will be making a December trip in Uganda to areas needing SOAP. Pray for God’s provision and safe travels.
3. Doris Borbor has been in her home area of Sierra Leone where 6 or 7 computers and printers provide SOAPs. God has used the SOAPs in so many ways, that they are looking to provide 20 more printing places in the city and neighboring villages. God has changed so many lives that they have raised most of the money needed and God has provided Doris a special job which will help with some of what remains! Praise the Lord!
Praise report: I have had 20 radiation treatments with 8 more to go. Lab tests show that they have been very effective in dealing with cancer! Praise the Lord!! I have minimal side effects from the treatments and am still able to drive the morning and afternoon school bus routes.
SOAPs by Pastor Leon 