Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 19. 2024: SOAP #5465: Matthew 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 1:19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

OBSERVATION:   In the first chapter of Luke we read that the angel, Gabriel, had been send to Mary to tell her that as a virgin, she would become pregnant by the Holy Spirit.  She accepted the assignment, seemingly without much thought as to how Joseph would be affected.  

But in reading the above in Matthew, we see that God did not leave it for Mary to convince Joseph.  God took the responsibility of making sure Joseph understood why Mary, his promised wife, was pregnant. 

APPLICATION:  I have found no one better than God in taking care of details.  When God has sent me to talk to someone, I arrive to find that He has already been there. When God opens a door for more SOAP ministry and He wants me to be a part of providing money, He has already been talking to others about sending me some finances.  If He does not provide for me to help, then I can rest knowing that He has many other resources. 

For the ten years that the Lord had me in the US Navy, I never had to worry about having what I needed to do my job.  They always provided what I needed to do my assignments.  I know that God is a MUCH BETTER PROVIDER than the US Navy!  

PRAYER:   Lord, when I am faithful to do your bidding, I know you will be faithful to provide what is needed.  It is as simple as that!  You may have already provided, or you will provide through another resource.  You may use my skills and talents, or you may use someone else.  However you do it, I want you to know that it is my pleasure serving you and being on your team.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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